Global-to-Local Dependencies in Phosphorus Mass Flows and Markets: Pathways to Improving System Resiliency in Response to Exogenous Shocks
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-2024
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Source Publication
Environmental Science & Technology
Source ISSN
0013-936X
Original Item ID
DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00208
Abstract
Uneven global distribution of phosphate rock deposits and the supply chains to transport phosphorus (P) make P fertilizers vulnerable to exogenous shocks, including commodity market shocks; extreme weather events or natural disasters; and geopolitical instability, such as trade disputes, disruption of shipping routes, and war. Understanding bidirectional risk transmission (global-to-local and local-to-global) in P supply and consumption chains is thus essential. Ignoring P system interdependencies and associated risks could have major impacts on critical infrastructure operations and increase the vulnerability of global food systems. We highlight recent unanticipated events and cascading effects that have impacted P markets globally. We discuss the need to account for exogenous shocks in local assessments of P flows, policies, and infrastructure design choices. We also provide examples of how accounting for undervalued global risks to the P industry can hasten the transition to a sustainable P future. For example, leveraging internal P recycling loops, improving plant P use efficiency, and utilizing legacy soil P all enhance system resiliency in the face of exogenous shocks and long-term anticipated threats. Strategies applied at the local level, which are embedded within national and global policy systems, can have global-scale impacts in derisking the P supply chain.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Baker, Justin; Schunk, Nathan; Scholz, Matt; Merck, Ashton; Muenich, Rebecca Logsdon; Westerhoff, Paul; Elser, James J.; Duckworth, Owen W.; Gatiboni, Luke; Islam, Minhazul; Marshall, Anna-Maria; Sozzani, Rosangela; and Mayer, Brooke K., "Global-to-Local Dependencies in Phosphorus Mass Flows and Markets: Pathways to Improving System Resiliency in Response to Exogenous Shocks" (2024). Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications. 423.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/civengin_fac/423
Comments
Environmental Science & Technology Letters, Vol. 11, No. 6 (June 2024): 493-502. DOI.