editor The food-energy-water nexus is subject to catastrophe: flood, drought, loss of power, failure of crops. Our system-by-system reductionist approach is also subject to failure as these systems are not just complicated, but complex. Rather than waiting until catastrophe to react, this session focuses on the use of storytelling as a way to motivate action and … Read more
Water is needed to generate energy. Energy is needed to deliver water. Both resources are limiting the other–and both may be running short. Is there a way out? In June the state of Florida made an unusual announcement: it would sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the corps’s plan to reduce water flow … Read more
FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS FOSSIL FUELS AND FERTILIZERS have been the key ingredients in much greater global food production and distribution. The food-energy relationship has been a good one, but it is now entering a new era. Food production is rising sharply, requiring more carbon-based fuels and nitrogen-based fertilizers, both of which exacerbate global … Read more
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND MATERIALS ADDRESSING THE ENERGY-WATER NEXUS Adequate water and energy are critical to the continued economic security of the United States. The relationship between energy and water is complex, and the scientific community is increasingly recognizing the importance of this connection. A recent statement by global leaders from 15 science academies noted that … Read more
Andy Wales is Global Head of Sustainable Development We are used to tackling challenges as single issues – rainforest depletion, overfishing, water scarcity – to name but a few. NGOs run compelling campaigns on single issues, companies develop issue-based targets, and most critically governments set policy and regulation in issue-based silos. But the scale of … Read more
Courtesy of The Institute of International and European Affairs. Nexus thinking is a new way of thinking that recognises the crucial interdependence of water, energy and food — a relationship that forms the core of the Environment Nexus project. This new IIEA video explores the deep interconnections between the three essential resources and highlights the … Read more
Greetings: NOAA monitors Earth’s health and transforms observations into scientific understanding that helps citizens, businesses, and leaders solve the problems they face every day. We’re always looking for better ways to provide the environmental intelligence–the timely, accurate and actionable information–that people need to live wisely and well. One challenge for which environmental intelligence is especially … Read more
This session will focus on the current status of education about the Food-Energy-Water Nexus. It will be a great opportunity for interested participants to share experiences on the current best practices, discuss what has worked, and present problems which have been encountered. Also it will be an opportunity to discuss new ideas and examine new … Read more
Organizers: Jenni Evans, Professor of Meteorology and Associate, Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment,The Pennsylvania State University Summary: The goal of the symposium is to advance awareness and ability of development agencies to develop, prioritize, and implement holistic resource security initiatives to promote sustainable development. The first step towards building a sustainable society … Read more
Organizer: Carmel Ruffolo, Marquette University Summary: Urban water and energy systems evolved to be centralized but disconnected systems many of which are now financial and ecological liabilities. The presentations will cover how urban systems can operate as largely self-reliant, independent but interconnected systems that provide improved environmental outcomes, alternatives for capital investment, critical engagement of … Read more