For those wanting to know the scientific truth about nitrogen, a book is available in stores as of tomorrow. The Nitrogen Web was written by Wieger Wamelink for a broad audience. In it, the author explains what precisely the nitrogen problem is, how it came about and what the possible solutions are.
‘The subtitle states: for those interested in the scientific truth about nitrogen. In Dutch, the subtitle contains the letter w many times.’
‘Indeed, a nice alliteration. It’s a bit of a nudge because although the sentence may sound rather pretentious, it is not meant that way at all. Scientists are not guardians of the truth; we seek and develop it. This is what science currently says. Nothing in the book is under debate. This is the latest knowledge, fact-checked by experts.’
What motivated you to write this book?
‘In the debate on nitrogen, some of the things that are said are simply not true. That gave rise to the idea of writing a book in which nitrogen deposition is explained in layman’s terms. In short chapters of some 500 words each, I address a range of topics, from the difference between nitrogen, nitrate and ammonia to European legislation on this topic and possible solutions to the problems.
Do you need prior education to understand the book?
‘Some knowledge of chemistry may be useful for some chapters, but I explain everything as best I can. A few years of general intermediate education is enough to understand the book. It can be read even if you don’t know precisely what nitrate is.’
And it has pictures…
‘Illustrator Pascal Tieman, who works for the book’s publisher New Scientist, drew the pictures. The pictures serve to increase the book’s attractiveness. On the righthand page of each new chapter, a quote which summarises the chapter has been written in calligraphy.’
Is this book some sort of mission?
‘well, yes. My mission is to inform as broad an audience as possible as well as I can. The nitrogen problem is a critical issue on which we spend billions of euros. If you want to form an opinion on this issue, it is essential to know what’s what. You should also have access to information that is not politicised or has an agenda. That was our goal. I tried to write it as neutrally as possible.’
Message
Is there no message at all?
‘No, not really. Only the last chapter, which you might consider a summary, carries a message. That message is that nature is not doing well at all and wants us to intervene. It is a story about a march gentian in the Wooldse Veen in Winterswijk. I know that spot well because I was born there. It is a story written from that plant’s perspective.’
And now, on tour?
‘Yes, the book is to be presented in Nieuwspoort (the TV programme), followed by a tour through the Netherlands with signing sessions. That should be exciting. To me, this is more exciting than delivering a lecture at a scientific conference.’
Het Stikstofweb, by Wieger Wamelink; 112 pages; 14.95 euros; available in bookstores and online
