The inefficient use of phosphorus (P) in the food chain is a threat to the global aquatic environment and the health and well-being of citizens, and it is depleting an essential finite natural resource critical for future food security and ecosystem function. We outline a strategic framework of 5R stewardship (Re-align P inputs, Reduce P losses, Recycle P in bioresources, Recover P in wastes, and Redefine P in food systems) to help identify and deliver a range of integrated, cost-effective, and feasible technological innovations to improve P use efficiency in society and reduce Europe’s dependence on P imports. Their combined adoption facilitated by interactive policies, co-operation between upstream and downstream stakeholders (researchers, investors, producers, distributors, and consumers), and more harmonized approaches to P accounting would maximize the resource and environmental benefits and help deliver a more competitive, circular, and sustainable European economy. The case of Europe provides a blueprint for global P stewardship.
CITATION STYLE
Withers, P. J. A., van Dijk, K. C., Neset, T. S. S., Nesme, T., Oenema, O., Rubæk, G. H., … Pellerin, S. (2015). Stewardship to tackle global phosphorus inefficiency: The case of Europe. Ambio, 44(2), 193–206. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-014-0614-8
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