Exploring river nitrogen and phosphorus loading and export to global coastal waters in the Shared Socio-economic pathways

•In 2050 anthropogenic sources will contribute up to 80% to river nutrient loading.•Curbing the global nutrient cycles requires paradigm shifts in food and waste systems.•N:P ratios in global rivers will further increase due to selective system retention of P.•Waste systems need to change from a disposal orientation towards conservation.