As much as we need food to stay alive, our crops need phosphorus to keep growing. But how do we ensure a sustainable phosphorus supply to our agricultural lands? In fact, who ensures that sustainability? Who are the other stakeholders? Join us as we dive deeper into these questions with Dr. Dana Cordell, Research Director of the Food Systems research group at the Institute of Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Australia and Dr. Jacob Jones, Director of STEPS.

Link to transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fwVeodSErVrwzPPRsaswAwbrlKvcO0GB/view?usp=sharing

Link to the background music: https://pixabay.com/music/funk-energetic-funky-groove-138634/

Phosphorus is a key element for life on Earth, but it can also have devastating effects on the environment when it accumulates in water bodies. In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between phosphorus and climate change, and how it affects the health of ecosystems. We are joined by three experts who share their insights and perspectives on this topic: Phil Haygarth, a professor of soil and water science at Lancaster University, UK; Laura Johnson, director of the National Center for Water Quality Research at Heidelberg University, US; and Patricia Glibert, a professor of marine science at the University of Maryland, US. They discuss the sources and impacts of phosphorus pollution, the challenges and opportunities for managing phosphorus in a changing climate, and the potential solutions.  Join us as we delve into the complex and urgent issue of phosphorus and the climate crisis.

Link to transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16cP12ECFi1qIoPL-yojwnfK6M8G1hOoV/view?usp=drive_link

Link to the background music: https://pixabay.com/music/funk-energetic-funky-groove-138634/

The Science and Technology for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) center is a recently created convergence research center, that is addressing the complex challenges around phosphorus sustainability with an interdisciplinary group of researchers coming from diverse scientific areas. In this episode, we talk to the director of the STEPS center, Dr. Jacob Jones, about the 25-in-25 vision of the center, convergence and transdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement and more. All having phosphorus sustainability as the main point. Join us as we take a look at the fascinating world of phosphorus.

Link to transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XCWLslkO5xjaZmJhE5JUZinvyBqtn_gq/view?usp=share_link

Link to the background music: https://pixabay.com/music/funk-energetic-funky-groove-138634/

Mentioned links:

1.  STEPS center website: https://steps-center.org/

2. Phosphorus flow diagram: https://steps-center.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image.png

3. 12 steps to be more sustainable: https://phosphorusalliance.org/what-can-i-do/

Phosphorus is an important element on earth. It is a non-metallic element that is essential for life as we know it. It is used in a variety of industrial and agricultural applications, such as fertilizers, food additives, and flame retardants. However, excess phosphorus usage has also led to many environmental problems. In this episode, we talk to two renown phosphorus experts, Dr. Jim Elser and Dr. Phil Haygarth, about Phosphorus’s past, present, and future. Get a glimpse of the diverse world of phosphorus with us.

Link to transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1quwqILVzyXZBtpoDY9AFPxCWh5hHVgg5/view?usp=share_link

Link to the background music: https://pixabay.com/music/funk-energetic-funky-groove-138634/

This episode is a short introduction to the world of PhosForUS. It is a snippet from the first episode.