The global phosphorus challenge arises from the uneven distribution of phosphorus resources, environmental effects from phosphorus losses and unsustainable linear management. Despite progress in advanced phosphorus recycling, less than 1% of secondary phosphorus resources produced globally are recycled. In this Review, we comprehensively explore global barriers to phosphorus recycling. Manure (15–20 million tons P (MtP) yr−1), mining and fertilizer industry waste (6–12 MtP yr−1), wastewater (~3.7 MtP yr−1) and food waste (~1.2 MtP yr−1) are the major secondary phosphorus resources worldwide. In addition, accumulated legacy phosphorus in soil and sediment comprises a combined stock of more than 3,200 MtP. Phosphorus mismanagement and losses cost stakeholders US$265 billion annually, yet substantial barriers to phosphorus recycling remain. Key challenges to be overcome include low competitiveness of recycled phosphorus products, complex waste handling, limited legacy phosphorus recovery and fragmented collaboration among stakeholders. A shift is needed towards an integrated, systems-based approach that simultaneously addresses technical, economic and societal challenges. Transdisciplinary strategies and research will advance phosphorus recycling and the development of a sustainable, circular phosphorus economy. Incorporating the perspectives of diverse stakeholders will help drive increasingly sustainable phosphorus management.

Brazil is an agricultural giant that plays a crucial role in the Global Phosphorus Challenge (GPC), and whose highly weathered soils are currently dependent on phosphorus (P) fertilizers derived from phosphate rock, a dwindling and critical resource. Brazil imports > 50% of its P fertilizers and P recovery from waste is not yet explored in the country, making it vulnerable to market instabilities, phosphate rock availability, and geopolitical conflicts. To make matters worse, Brazilian research budget has been shrinking for 7 years straight, hindering scientific efforts and causing significant ‘brain drain’, further undermining the country’s capacity to tackle this critical problem. However, an opportunity comes with the new Brazilian Federal government (starting January 2023), which promises to make significant investments in science and higher education. We call for all stakeholders to seize this important moment and timely collaborate in creating multidisciplinary P-related projects, taking advantage of the soon-to-be available resources to develop knowledge, technologies, and training networks to shape a new generation of experts in P management in the tropics. We are confident that through agriculture intensification, intelligent use of resources, new legislation and governance, Brazil will stride towards sustainable food production, bringing immediate value to Brazil and the world by protecting the Amazon forest and advancing to overcome the GPC.