Water, energy and food nexus - Revision history

Kevin Smith: /* Further information */

2014-11-18T16:33:56Z

‎Further information

Kevin Smith: /* Further information */

2014-11-18T16:31:25Z

‎Further information

Irena Irmler at 10:41, 21 February 2014

2014-02-21T10:41:51Z

Irena Irmler at 13:38, 20 February 2014

2014-02-20T13:38:50Z

Irena Irmler at 13:15, 20 February 2014

2014-02-20T13:15:47Z

Irena Irmler at 19:54, 19 February 2014

2014-02-19T19:54:34Z

Christoph Wagener at 14:48, 27 November 2013

2013-11-27T14:48:22Z

Christoph Wagener: /* Further information */

2013-11-11T15:20:12Z

‎Further information

Christoph Wagener at 15:10, 6 November 2013

2013-11-06T15:10:22Z

Christoph Wagener at 15:08, 6 November 2013

2013-11-06T15:08:34Z

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 = Further information =
 [http://www.water-energy-food.org/ http://www.water-energy-food.org/]
 <rss max="2">http://www.water-energy-food.org/en/water-energy-food-resources.rss</rss>
 [[Category:Climate_Change]]
 [[Category:Food_Security]]
 [[Category:Excellent]]

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 <br/>
 = Further information =
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 <rss max="2">http://www.water-energy-food.org/en/water-energy-food-resources.rss</rss>
-[[Category:Excellent]]
+[[Understanding the Energy-Water Nexus|Understanding the Energy-Water Nexus]]
-[[Category:Food_Security]]
 [[Category:Climate_Change]]

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 = Introduction to the concept =
-Achieving water, energy and food security for all will be only possible by considering the interdependencies between the sectors. Drinking water supply, energy production and agriculture are all based on water and land resources. Demographic growth, urbanisation and [[Portal:Climate Change|climate change]] are accentuating the pressure on these limited resources<ref>GIZ 2011: Conference Synopsis, Bonn http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/bonn2011_nexussynopsis.pdf</ref>. The world will face a 40% water gap for covering the global drinking water, energy and food needs by 2030<ref>Source: McKinsey (2009): Charting Our Water Future. Economic Frameworks to inform decision-making.</ref>. Land scarcity is still a major constraint for ensuring [[Portal:Food Security|food security]]. In a business as usual scenario, the trade-offs among development objectives will continue to increase; competing uses and sub-optimal allocation of limited resources will become major liabilities to economic growth and acceptable living conditions. For instance, the black-outs occurring in India in the summer of 2012 are to a large extent due to water constraints: water scarcity for cooling the thermal power plants, low withdrawal for maintain hydropower, increased use of groundwater for irrigation, etc. To date all sector approaches, e.g. renewal energy support programmes, are generally not considering their impacts and their interdependencies on water and land resources<ref>http://www.mrcmekong.org/assets/Uploads/M2R-report-address-water-energy-food-security.pdf</ref>.
+Achieving water, energy and food security for all will be only possible by considering the interdependencies between the sectors. Drinking water supply, energy production and agriculture are all based on water and land resources. Demographic growth, urbanisation and [[Portal:Climate Change|climate change]] are accentuating the pressure on these limited resources<ref>GIZ 2011: Conference Synopsis, Bonn http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/bonn2011_nexussynopsis.pdf</ref>. The world will face a 40% water gap for covering the global drinking water, energy and food needs by 2030<ref>Source: McKinsey (2009): Charting Our Water Future. Economic Frameworks to inform decision-making.</ref>. Land scarcity is still a major constraint for ensuring [[Portal:Food Security|food security]]. In a business as usual scenario, the trade-offs among development objectives will continue to increase; competing uses and sub-optimal [[Water_Development_and_Allocation|allocation]]of limited resources will become major liabilities to economic growth and acceptable living conditions. For instance, the black-outs occurring in India in the summer of 2012 are to a large extent due to water constraints: water scarcity for cooling the thermal power plants, low withdrawal for maintain hydropower, increased use of groundwater for irrigation, etc. To date all sector approaches, e.g. renewal energy support programmes, are generally not considering their impacts and their interdependencies on water and land resources<ref>http://www.mrcmekong.org/assets/Uploads/M2R-report-address-water-energy-food-security.pdf</ref>.
 [[File:Nexus1.JPG|329px|Nexus1.JPG|alt=Nexus1.JPG]]
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 [[File:Nexus2.JPG|358px|Nexus2.JPG|alt=Nexus2.JPG]]
-= [[The_Nexus_perspective_and_climate_change|Climate change and the Nexus]] =
+= [[The Nexus perspective and climate change|Climate change and the Nexus]] =
 Energy production and the agro-food chain are major drivers of climate change. At the same time, agriculture and drinking water are among the most climate-vulnerable sectors. Additionally, climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration, expansion of biofuels, or hydropower can create significant new water and land demands<ref>GIZ 2011: Conference Synopsis, Bonn http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/bonn2011_nexussynopsis.pdf</ref>. Climate change adaptation can be very energy intensive: irrigation requires more energy than rain-fed agriculture, desalination uses more energy than conventional water supplies, and increased groundwater use and water storage may require additional pumping. Opportunities for less energy intensive irrigation through improved rain-fed agriculture, green water and soil management have not yet been fully realized. Thus, climate policies also need to take an integrated perspective across the water, energy, and food security nexus to avoid maladaptation and negative externalities<ref>GIZ 2011: Understanding the nexus - Background paper for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, Bonn http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/understanding_the_nexus.pdf</ref>.
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 <rss max="2">http://www.water-energy-food.org/en/water-energy-food-resources.rss</rss>
 [[Category:Excellent]]

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 [[File:Nexus2.JPG|358px|Nexus2.JPG|alt=Nexus2.JPG]]
-= Climate change and the Nexus =
+= [[The_Nexus_perspective_and_climate_change|Climate change and the Nexus]] =
 Energy production and the agro-food chain are major drivers of climate change. At the same time, agriculture and drinking water are among the most climate-vulnerable sectors. Additionally, climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration, expansion of biofuels, or hydropower can create significant new water and land demands<ref>GIZ 2011: Conference Synopsis, Bonn http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/bonn2011_nexussynopsis.pdf</ref>. Climate change adaptation can be very energy intensive: irrigation requires more energy than rain-fed agriculture, desalination uses more energy than conventional water supplies, and increased groundwater use and water storage may require additional pumping. Opportunities for less energy intensive irrigation through improved rain-fed agriculture, green water and soil management have not yet been fully realized. Thus, climate policies also need to take an integrated perspective across the water, energy, and food security nexus to avoid maladaptation and negative externalities<ref>GIZ 2011: Understanding the nexus - Background paper for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, Bonn http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/understanding_the_nexus.pdf</ref>.
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 == Water-spreading weirs in Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso ==
-[[Water spreading weirs – Sahel|Water-spreading weirs]] are an important way of protecting drainage basins, making it possible to improve the low-lying areas. They slow the water flow and increase the area which is regularly flooded by the water. They enable rainwater to be stored and enlarge the area suitable for cultivation along the banks of the wadis. Water seeps into the groundwater and increases its level so that it rises up very close to the surface. Their maintenance is trouble-free and requires minimal effort if there is no major damage.<br/>Water-spreading weirs cannot be built everywhere. Large wide-spread valleys with a low slope angle provide ideal conditions. Managing drainage basins requires the construction of a series of weirs, where each weir retains some of the water and alluvial deposits and gradually raises the bed of the wadi. Over a very short period of time, this process also raises the ground water table by up to 20 meters. This reduces the costs for energy (pumping costs) and the required labour of [[Water_Governance_and_Women|women]] who have to draw the water. It also facilitates animals’ access to water.<br/>Construction management is under the responsibility of local municipalities. The organisation is very often delegated to local construction committees<ref>http://www.giz.de/Themen/de/dokumente/E-Water-spreading-weirs.pdf</ref>.
+[[Water spreading weirs – Sahel|Water-spreading weirs]] are an important way of protecting drainage basins, making it possible to improve the low-lying areas. They slow the water flow and increase the area which is regularly flooded by the water. They enable rainwater to be stored and enlarge the area suitable for cultivation along the banks of the wadis. Water seeps into the groundwater and increases its level so that it rises up very close to the surface. Their maintenance is trouble-free and requires minimal effort if there is no major damage.<br/>Water-spreading weirs cannot be built everywhere. Large wide-spread valleys with a low slope angle provide ideal conditions. Managing drainage basins requires the construction of a series of weirs, where each weir retains some of the water and alluvial deposits and gradually raises the bed of the wadi. Over a very short period of time, this process also raises the ground water table by up to 20 meters. This reduces the costs for energy (pumping costs) and the required labour of [[Water Governance and Women|women]] who have to draw the water. It also facilitates animals’ access to water.<br/>Construction management is under the responsibility of local municipalities. The organisation is very often delegated to local construction committees<ref>http://www.giz.de/Themen/de/dokumente/E-Water-spreading-weirs.pdf</ref>.
 Additional case studies:<br/>[http://waterandfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Water-Food-Energy-Nexus.pdf http://waterandfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Water-Food-Energy-Nexus.pdf]
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 <rss max="2">http://www.water-energy-food.org/en/water-energy-food-resources.rss</rss>
 [[Category:Climate_Change]]

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 [[File:Nexus1.JPG|329px|Nexus1.JPG|alt=Nexus1.JPG]]
-As recommended in the European Report on Development 2012<ref>http://erd-report.eu/erd/report_2011/documents/erd_report%202011_en_lowdef.pdf</ref> , “a radical transformation is needed”. Water and land constraints, as well as the impacts of single sectoral approaches on other sectors, have to be considered in the development of water, energy and food solutions. The nexus perspective will greatly facilitate the achievement of development goals on a large scale and will reduce negative impacts<ref>GIZ 2011: Understanding the nexus - Background paper for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, Bonn http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/understanding_the_nexus.pdf</ref>. The nexus perspective is particularly enlightening for developing sustainable solutions, for example in considering water constraints in energy production; water-smart and energy-smart food; and impacts of biofuels on food security. Developing and implementing such nexus solutions require that governments develop mechanisms for ensuring policy coherence, that the private sector integrates water issues in [[Corporate_water_risks|corporate risk management]], and that consumer influence is mobilized for changing consumption patterns and production processes<ref>Messages from the Bonn2011 Conference http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/messages/nexus_flyer_2012.pdf</ref>.
+As recommended in the European Report on Development 2012<ref>http://erd-report.eu/erd/report_2011/documents/erd_report%202011_en_lowdef.pdf</ref> , “a radical transformation is needed”. Water and land constraints, as well as the impacts of single sectoral approaches on other sectors, have to be considered in the development of water, energy and food solutions. The nexus perspective will greatly facilitate the achievement of development goals on a large scale and will reduce negative impacts<ref>GIZ 2011: Understanding the nexus - Background paper for the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference, Bonn http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/understanding_the_nexus.pdf</ref>. The nexus perspective is particularly enlightening for developing sustainable solutions, for example in considering water constraints in energy production; water-smart and energy-smart food; and impacts of biofuels on food security. Developing and implementing such nexus solutions require that governments develop mechanisms for ensuring policy coherence, that the private sector integrates water issues in [[Corporate water risks|corporate risk management]], and that consumer influence is mobilized for changing consumption patterns and production processes<ref>Messages from the Bonn2011 Conference http://www.water-energy-food.org/documents/messages/nexus_flyer_2012.pdf</ref>.
 Six “Nexus Opportunity Areas” were identified as important principles for addressing the often competing tensions between sectoral objectives and the consequential pressures on water, land and other related resources:
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 == Water-spreading weirs in Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso ==
-[[Water spreading weirs – Sahel|Water-spreading weirs]] are an important way of protecting drainage basins, making it possible to improve the low-lying areas. They slow the water flow and increase the area which is regularly flooded by the water. They enable rainwater to be stored and enlarge the area suitable for cultivation along the banks of the wadis. Water seeps into the groundwater and increases its level so that it rises up very close to the surface. Their maintenance is trouble-free and requires minimal effort if there is no major damage.<br/>Water-spreading weirs cannot be built everywhere. Large wide-spread valleys with a low slope angle provide ideal conditions. Managing drainage basins requires the construction of a series of weirs, where each weir retains some of the water and alluvial deposits and gradually raises the bed of the wadi. Over a very short period of time, this process also raises the ground water table by up to 20 meters. This reduces the costs for energy (pumping costs) and the required labour of women who have to draw the water. It also facilitates animals’ access to water.<br/>Construction management is under the responsibility of local municipalities. The organisation is very often delegated to local construction committees<ref>http://www.giz.de/Themen/de/dokumente/E-Water-spreading-weirs.pdf</ref>.
+[[Water spreading weirs – Sahel|Water-spreading weirs]] are an important way of protecting drainage basins, making it possible to improve the low-lying areas. They slow the water flow and increase the area which is regularly flooded by the water. They enable rainwater to be stored and enlarge the area suitable for cultivation along the banks of the wadis. Water seeps into the groundwater and increases its level so that it rises up very close to the surface. Their maintenance is trouble-free and requires minimal effort if there is no major damage.<br/>Water-spreading weirs cannot be built everywhere. Large wide-spread valleys with a low slope angle provide ideal conditions. Managing drainage basins requires the construction of a series of weirs, where each weir retains some of the water and alluvial deposits and gradually raises the bed of the wadi. Over a very short period of time, this process also raises the ground water table by up to 20 meters. This reduces the costs for energy (pumping costs) and the required labour of [[Water_Governance_and_Women|women]] who have to draw the water. It also facilitates animals’ access to water.<br/>Construction management is under the responsibility of local municipalities. The organisation is very often delegated to local construction committees<ref>http://www.giz.de/Themen/de/dokumente/E-Water-spreading-weirs.pdf</ref>.
 Additional case studies:<br/>[http://waterandfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Water-Food-Energy-Nexus.pdf http://waterandfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Water-Food-Energy-Nexus.pdf]
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 <rss max="2">http://www.water-energy-food.org/en/water-energy-food-resources.rss</rss>
 [[Category:Excellent]]