Redistributing 14% of global nitrogen fertilizer use advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals

Imbalanced synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use remains a critical obstacle to global sustainable development. Excessive nitrogen application leads to environmental pollution in many world regions, whereas insufficient nitrogen input elsewhere constrains yields and exacerbates food insecurity. Resolving this spatial imbalance requires a comprehensive understanding of how nitrogen use can be more effectively redistributed, together with the associated economic costs and societal benefits to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We present a global analysis of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer redistribution among countries and its potential to contribute to multiple SDGs, particularly enhancing food security while mitigating nitrogen emissions to air and aquatic systems. The redistribution based on optimal regional nitrogen use efficiencies could increase global crop production by 14% while reducing global nitrogen fertilizer use by 11 million tonnes. This reduction would lower reactive nitrogen losses, decreasing emissions to the atmosphere and aquatic systems by 22% and 21%, respectively. The estimated implementation cost is US$21 billion, far below the projected social benefit of US$535 billion. Redistribution would improve 1-16% of multiple SDG performance, especially the SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). These findings offer a practical and cost-effective pathway to reconcile crop production with environmental sustainability, providing an evidence base for more equitable and efficient global nitrogen management.