Water, food, and energy three things you use daily and likely don’t think very deeply about. Since we are so used to turning on the tap to grab a glass of water or leaving the lights on a little longer than we should. Although, this nexus goes beyond our daily consumption as individuals.

What is this nexus?

Water, food, and energy are not just separate entities. They form a complex nexus, a web of interdependence. Food and energy need water, and this connection is not just important, it’s integral to sustainable development.

Demand for the Elements

Today, the demand for all three elements is skyrocketing. With growing populations, increased urbanization, mass production, changing diets, and many other factors, the pressure on these resources is mounting. Diets have shifted from starch-based to animal-based, further exacerbating the situation.

Agriculture is one of the most significant users of water. Accounting for around 70% of freshwater withdrawals. In addition to agriculture, energy production is increasingly water-intensive.

Why is this integral to sustainable development?

The pressure we place on this nexus is not just a concern, it’s a crisis. Our reliance on resources such as water, which can become scarce as we overuse them, is unsustainable. The stretching and pressure put on these resources limit their availability to support food and energy production. They are severely impacting the ability to progress on several sustainable development goals, including hunger, the environment & sustainability.

What can we do to improve our relationship with this nexus?

There are many places to start, and they likely sound like common sense, and they are. However, the collective mindset shift from overconsumption to preservation is not easy. To tackle this issue, it is essential to address our dependencies; shifting to less water-dependent renewable energy systems and moving towards regenerative agriculture practices is necessary. As they help preserve water and soil health. Investment in “green infrastructure” concerns forests, groundwater pathways, and many more systems that naturally create more robust and protected natural spaces.

Have you thought about this nexus before?