The problem of nitrogen pollution in Brazil: analysis of the agenda-setting process for the construction of an integrated policy proposal

• Grant number: 24/20724-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Jean Pierre Henry Balbaud Ometto
• Grantee: Gisleine da Silva Cunha Zeri
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for life on Earth, yet human activities are significantly disrupting its natural cycle, leading to adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Despite its importance, nitrogen pollution in Brazil remains largely overlooked, even though it is highly relevant and closely linked to other urgent environmental issues. This proposal aims to: (i) identify the key economic, technological, and regulatory barriers that impede the development and implementation of an integrated sustainable nitrogen management policy in Brazil, (ii) investigate and map the political processes and institutional frameworks that influence agenda-setting for addressing nitrogen pollution, and (iii) promote strategies for environmental education and communication to raise public awareness. To achieve these goals, nitrogen mitigation measures will be evaluated for their feasibility across various sectors and government agencies, assessing their alignment with national environmental policies to uncover institutional overlaps and barriers. Additionally, the study aims to explore the process of agenda-setting for sustainable nitrogen management, focusing on coalitions, power dynamics, and strategies for policy implementation. The expected outcomes include the development of a conceptual framework for integrated nitrogen management, aligned with climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, a policy brief containing practical recommendations, and participatory educational materials aimed at increasing public awareness of this issue in Brazil. (AU)