After a discussion of the WEF nexus, scientific gaps in understanding of the fundamental properties of water, as well as the need for engineering solutions for water quality and supply, are reviewed. ![]() This chapter explores the role of chemical engineers in ensuring adequate food supplies and clean water and air. To better contextualize this WEF nexus, it is important to intertwine an additional nexus, one that considers sustainability and environmental conditions (including climate), as well as economic and social (including human health) components, sometimes referred to as the “triple bottom line” ( Das and Cabezas, 2018 Figure 4-1). The concept of a water–energy–food (WEF) nexus was first introduced in 2011 by the World Economic Forum in Water Security: The Water-Energy-Food-Climate Nexus. Although water is a renewable resource that is conserved in the Earth, freshwater can be depleted locally, and the policies for its local allocation are set in a highly political context. In addition to these complex relationships, air quality affects or is affected by all three sectors and has a direct impact on human health and well-being. Water is used for the production of fuels and electricity, and for agriculture, food processing, livestock, and cooking. Land and water diverted for energy production are no longer available for food production and vice versa. Energy is used to purify, transport, heat, or cool water to produce fertilizers and to power farm equipment, food processing, and cooking. Agricultural crops produce biofuels and provide food for animals and humans. Food, energy, and water are highly interconnected, with production or consumption of one usually directly linked to production or consumption of another. ![]()
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