Fertilizers play a key factor in increasing crop yields and improving food security in most parts of the world. However, excessive and improper use of fertilizers can lead to a range of environmental problems, including pollution and climate change. In recent decades, global fertilizer use has shifted significantly, with developing countries now the primary consumers. This is crucial due to their notably low efficiency in fertilizer utilization, particularly nitrogen. Almost half of the fertilizer produced globally is used to produce rice, wheat, and maize to ensure food security. However, overuse of fertilizer can result in contamination of both surface and groundwater bodies, as well as eutrophication of waterways. This can lead to the depletion of aquatic organisms and the emergence of harmful algal blooms. Furthermore, the increased use of fertilizers has resulted in soil degradation and fertility loss in agricultural fields, disrupting the natural soil cycles. The application and production of fertilizers also contribute to the emission of nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide which have significant implications for climate change. Synthetic fertilizer applications account for 9% of global agricultural emissions, with nitrogen fertilizers being significant contributors to the increase in atmospheric nitrous oxide concentrations. As the world population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for food will undoubtedly continue to rise. Consequently, the use of fertilizers is expected to increase, particularly in the developing world. Therefore, for sustainable agriculture, addressing fertilizers’ environmental impacts, including their contribution to climate change, is imperative.