Nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) is one of six greenhouse gases listed up in the Kyoto Protocol, and it effects a strong global warming because of its much greater global warming potential (GWP), by 310 times over a 100-year time horizon, than $CO_2$. Although such $N_2O$ emissions from both natural and anthropogenic sources occur, the latter can be controlled using suitable abatement technologies, depending on them, to reduce $N_2O$ below acceptable or feasible levels. This paper has extensively reviewed the anthropogenic $N_2O$ emission sources and their related compositions, and the state-of-the-art non-catalytic and catalytic technologies of the emissions controls available currently to representative, large $N_2O$ emission sources, such as adipic acid production plants. Challengeable approaches to this source are discussed to promote establishment of advanced $N_2O$ emission control technologies.