3.2 Impacts of Changing Trends in Resource Consumption

In this section you will understand:

The water–food–energy “nexus” and how its complex interactions affect:

• national water security, including access to safe water
• national food security, including food availability
• national energy security, including energy pathways and geopolitical issues

The implications of global climate change for the water–food–energy nexus

• Detailed examples of two countries with contrasting levels of resource security

UN Water: Water, Food Energy

"The water-food-energy nexus is central to sustainable development. Demand for all three is increasing, driven by a rising global population, rapid urbanization, changing diets and economic growth. Agriculture is the largest consumer of the world’s freshwater resources, and more than one-quarter of the energy used globally is expended on food production and supply.

The inextricable linkages between these critical domains require a suitably integrated approach to ensuring water and food security, and sustainable agriculture and energy production worldwide."

Food security: availability and access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet the dietary needs and food preferences of an active and healthy life

Water security: access to safe drinking water and sanitation

Energy Security: access to clean, reliable and affordable energy sources for cooking, heating, lighting, communication and productive use

Homework, read Jeremy Allouche, Food, energy and water: the politics of the nexus, The Guardian, 24 June, 2014