Our Nutrient World: The Challenge to Produce More Food and Energy with Less Pollution

This report is a global overview prepared to raise awareness of the challenges regarding nitrogen and phosphorus management, which are essential for food production but currently suffer from imbalanced global cycles. The scope encompasses the scientific complexity of nutrient use, examining both excessive consumption in developed and rapidly developing regions and insufficient access in others. The document draws upon outcomes from various international workshops and conferences to outline these challenges and potential options. Key findings highlight that humanity has significantly altered nutrient cycles, causing environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The report suggests that improving nutrient use efficiency across the full supply chain could deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits, while proposing a coordinated, joined-up intergovernmental approach to nutrient stewardship.