Understanding Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Urban Ecosystem for Resilience to Climate Risks

Growing population, urbanization, changing climate, increasing prosperity and change in dietary habit is putting unprecedented challenge on Water, Energy and Food (WEF) resources of India. WEF nexus has been gaining global momentum today and developing synergies between them for optimization of resource use is the demand of the hour. This paper is an attempt to analyze the importance of nexus approach for India and develop an interrelationship between Water, Energy and Food from consumption point of view for better management of natural resources through literature review and analysis of available secondary data. The finding comes up with few recommendations like integrated development of cities, concept of sustainable food consumption, integrated policy approach, green economy approach and ecosystem based approach for optimal use of resources. The connections between Water, Energy and Food is so robust that improving efficiency in one process either through technological interventions or through regulatory approach will have impact on the overall nexus elements and thus helps in achieving the goals of Sustainable Urban Development.