Texas A&M University – Future Earth  WATER-ENERGY-FOOD NEXUS WORKSHOP, Washington DC, June 1-2, 2015:

Research gaps in the integrated observations and improved governance for the W-E-F Nexus

The Future Earth Water-Energy-Food (W-E-F) cluster project and Texas A&M University System collaborated to hold the first of four regional workshops planned as part of the Future Earth W-E-F cluster. This workshop included more than 75 experts who represented a broad spectrum of educational, governmental, and industrial groups, from the United States and internationally, who are working in the water, energy, and food sectors as these are related to science, policy, and society.

Conclusions and Outcomes
-Nexus approach is an effective method to achieve sustainability through interdisciplinary cooperation at local, national, and global scales.
-The W-E-F framework can empower local communities and encourage holistic approaches to problem-solving.
-Earth observation programs must be used to monitor and understand environmental conditions and needs.
-A global Nexus Community of Practice and a well-defined Road Map are needed to address the significant knowledge gaps that exist in science, education, and governance.

Call for Action: A strong commitment of US agencies and academics to the W-E-F Nexus is essential for national, regional, and global advances in the development and implementation of a framework that will ensure the sustainability of the water, energy, and food sectors. The framework will be built on joint management across the Nexus and will be supported by technologies, observations, science, and good governance. The US could forge a strong partnership with the Future Earth program by developing a substantial initiative along the lines discussed at the workshop.

Download Workshop Presentations here