Háskóli ÍslandsUniversity of IcelandNedelciu, ClaudiuRagnarsdottir, Kristin ValaStjernquist, IngridSchellens, Marie Katharine2020-03-162020-03-162019-09-04Nedelciu, C., Ragnarsdóttir, K.V., Stjernquist, I. et al. Opening access to the black box: The need for reporting on the global phosphorus supply chain. Ambio 49, 881–891 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01240-80044-74471654-7209 (eISSN)https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11815/1607Publisher's version (útgefin grein).Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient in agriculture; however, lack of reporting makes its supply chain a black box. By using literature synthesis on the P challenge, we identify four areas where the reporting process is problematic: P reserves and resources; P losses along the supply chain; P externalities; and access to data. We find that in these areas, the reporting system is inconsistent, inaccurate, incomplete, fragmented and non-transparent. We use systems analysis to discuss implications of reporting on the sustainability of the P supply chain. We find that reporting is essential for the achievement of global P governance and the human right to adequate food. It can also inform decision makers and other impacted stakeholders on policies on agriculture, food security, pollution and international conflict. An improved P reporting process also allows a better evaluation of global sustainability commitments such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.881-891eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessGlobal governanceOpen access dataPhosphorusSupply chainSystems analysisFosfórKerfisgreiningOpinn aðgangurStjórnuninfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleAmbio10.1007/s13280-019-01240-8