Nitrogen and waste disposal Nitrogen Industrial agriculture has long been dependent on nitrogenous fertilizers to increase productivity. This has resulted in nitrogen Pollution becoming a major contaminant of soil, water and air. A key part of the problem is that the more these fertilizers are used to increase crop yields, the more is lost to the environment, escaping into water and the atmosphere, the latter as ammonia. If groundwater becomes contaminated with nitrogen it can become a health issue. For example, high nitrate levels in drinking water can cause reproductive problems, methemoglobinemia, colorectal cancer, thyroid disease and neural tube defects.38 Nitrogen in rivers flows into the sea causing eutrophication of coastal waters, a phenomenon generating various seawater health issues. Recent evidence shows that eutrophication is a problem that is on a worsening trend.39 Livestock manure and fertilizers in agriculture are responsible for 81% of ammonia emissions into the air globally. That contributes to 50% (in the EU) and 30% (in the United States) of PM2.5 air Pollution, causing chronic illnesses that can lead to premature mortality.40 Livestock manure and fertilizer use also leads to nitrous oxide production, a potent GHG, and the most important substance for the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, with implications for the increased occurrence of skin cancer. Waste disposal Waste can be categorized by origin (e.g. municipal solid waste or industrial waste), character (e.g. hazardous waste or organic waste) or type (e.g. e-waste or healthcare waste). Improper waste disposal can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, the release of methane, and exposure to Pollution from chemicals released through landfills, organic waste, and burning of waste. For example, exposure to improperly managed e-waste and its components can release a wide range of different chemical particles into the environment, which can have multiple adverse health and developmental impacts, especially in young children and pregnant women. Without urgent action on waste management, by 2050 its global annual cost – factoring in both the direct cost and the hidden costs of Pollution, ill health and climate change from poor waste disposal practices – could almost double from $361 billion to $640 billion.41 Actions for today A. Improve monitoring, reporting and evaluation systems For many emerging pollutants, such as nanoplastics, there is a lack of reliable data on health risks including reproductive and developmental toxicity and longer-term effects of low-level exposures. The GRPS finds that the approach with the third-highest potential for driving action on risk reduction and preparedness regarding Pollution over the next 10 years is Research and development (Figure 2.8). However, a lack of real-time data or a unified system for reporting, both nationally and internationally for many pollutants makes it difficult to measure, monitor and act. There must be an improvement Risk Governance: Pollution FIGURE 2.8 Source World Economic Forum Global Risks Perception Survey 2024-2025.“Which approach(es) do you expect to have the most potential for driving action on risk reduction and preparedness over the next 10 years? Select up to three for each risk.” Risk categories Economic Environmental Geopolitical Societal Technological Pollution (air, soil, water, etc.) Share of respondentsApproach a. Financial instruments b. National and local regulations c. Minilateral treaties and agreements d. Global treaties and agreements e. Development assistance f. Corporate strategies g. Research & development h. Public awareness and education i. Multistakeholder engagement Global Risks Report 2025 52