Nexus Theory and Approach

This chapter mainly introduces nexus theory and approach. Broadly speaking, the nexus approach is a tool for integrating systems, a platform for engaging stakeholders, and a method for exploring pathways for development. It is also a comprehensive tool to solve the challenges of global sustainable development. The appearance of nexus can be traced back to the early 1980s, and the relationship between two nodes (food-energy) was initially proposed. As time goes by, the nexus approach becomes more and more complex and diverse, and the number of nodes involved also increases. These nodes can be resource departments/systems or specific social-ecological problems. The nexus approach is very beneficial to the sustainable development agenda. Because the more nodes involved, the more potential reality can be captured. However, there is no consensus on key-related nodes covering all Sustainable Development Goals. The current problems of using nexus approach in the context of sustainable development include formulating implementation framework and determining relevant indicators and target values for evaluating trade-offs and synergies. Overall, the nexus approach has the potential to contribute to global sustainability, but further efforts are required to fully harness its benefits.