Addressing Nexus Challenges—Innovative Approaches to Urban Nexus Security

Thirty percent of the world’s population lives in East and Southeast Asia, of which close to 60% lives in urban areas. The Global Competitiveness Report 2018 recognized that the increasing economic dynamism of the region has contributed to rapid industrialization, a rise in living standards, and a drastic reduction in extreme poverty. The report further stated that the region was one of the fastest growing regions in the world in 2017, including China’s significant contribution to the region’s rapid economic growth. Such rapid growth leads to a massive consumption of natural resources, resulting in unprecedented environmental problems such as pollution, resource depletion, and waste disposal. If one considers the urban setting to be a starting point for dealing with the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus, it offers immense challenges and opportunities for innovative solutions. Innovative approaches, both existing and new technology, are required to safeguard the most critical resources. This chapter examines approaches and technologies that can contribute to overcoming nexus challenges in East and Southeast Asia.