A Global Characterization of Adaptations Addressing Vulnerabilities Across the Food-Energy-Water Nexus

Open Access
- Author:
- Torhan, Sarah
- Graduate Program:
- Civil Engineering
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- October 15, 2021
- Committee Members:
- Caitlin A Grady, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Lauren Mc Phillips, Committee Member
Patrick Fox, Program Head/Chair
Nathaniel Richard Warner, Committee Member - Keywords:
- climate change
adaptation
food-energy-water nexus
food security
water security
energy security - Abstract:
- Climate change increases the risk of natural hazards and social and environmental exposures across multiple geographic scales, impacting society’s reliance on natural resources. Adaptation strategies to combat the effects of climate change remain an urgent global need to ensure sustainability and equity in natural resource management. The food-energy-water (FEW) nexus represents the interconnectedness of FEW resources and systems required to meet basic human needs and is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Adaptations to address FEW vulnerabilities, such as food security, energy security, and water security, require an integrated approach that carefully considers synergies and tradeoffs of the adaptations between FEW resources and systems. However, FEW nexus frameworks have not been systemically applied to analyze the broader impacts of adaptations across FEW vulnerabilities globally. This study conducts a global analysis of scientific literature to present the first large sample size assessment (n=1,204) of adaptation evidence targeting FEW vulnerabilities. Descriptive statistics were considered for trends in the frequencies of adaptation variables. Chi-square tests and Cramer’s V effect sizes measured significant associations between adaptation drivers, characteristics, and outcomes of FEW-targeted adaptations. A network of associations between these variables visualized interconnectedness between various natural hazards, vulnerabilities, sectors, and other adaptation properties. Generalized linear regression models were employed to correlate characteristics with FEW exposures to identify similarities and differences in their adaptation. Finally, qualitative thematic coding (n=22) was executed to identify synergies and tradeoffs for adapting FEW systems and triangulate quantitative results. The results showcase adaptations addressing food security are more robustly documented than adaptations targeting water and energy security. Hazards related to extreme weather events that directly impact individuals or communities are significantly associated with FEW adaptations. Responses for food and water security share associations with cities and infrastructure, sustainable communities, and sea-level rise. Several statistical relationships show potential for mutually beneficial adaptation, while others are predicted to experience potential tradeoffs or highlight a lack of information regarding synergetic implementation strategies. Qualitative analyses revealed that while multiple segments of the FEW nexus were being addressed in the documented adaptations, targeting may not be interrelated or intentionally planned, and tradeoffs and synergies were rarely considered. These results have implications for adaptations aiming to achieve sustainable development and infrastructure during an age of climate change that holistically and efficiently addresses FEW exposures. This study informs the global community to consider a nexus approach for future evidence-based decision-making regarding climate adaptations targeting FEW vulnerabilities.