3.2. Impacts of changing trends in resource consumption

Question 1

what is the water-food-energy nexus?

Answer 1

it refers to the close links between the three sectors and the ways in which changes in one sector have an impact on one or both of the other sectors. The Nexus approach stresses the need for stewardship of these resources.

Question 2

what is the definition for water security?

Answer 2

access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Question 3

what is the definition of food security?

Answer 3

It is defined as the availability and access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet the dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

Question 4

what is your definition for energy security?

Answer 4

the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.

long-term energy security mainly deals with timely investments to supply energy in line with economic developments and environmental needs.

Question 5

what are the interactions between water, food and energy like?

Answer 5

There is a range of interactions between water, food and energy. For example, water is essential for the mining, refining and transport of energy sources, as well as being necessary to produce crops and rear livestock.

Food production is the world’s larges single use of water, accounting for about 70% of water usage. In turn, food production may affect water quality and quantity, through water extraction, water pollution (eutrophication and salinisation) and land use changes.

Energy is needed for the extraction, transport and distribution of water, and the construction of dams. Energy is needed for farming, for example, for fertilisers, for machinery and for transport. Agriculture accounts for 30% of global energy use.

Question 6

why is there a need for adaption in the water-food-energy nexus?

Answer 6

.Many countries face difficulties providing for the growing demand for water, food and energy. The difficulties are compounded by the uncertainties of climate change. Adapting to climate change will require effective use of scarce resources and a coordinated response. The rapid increase in resource use since the mid-1990s, particularly in the emerging economies, has accelerated the risk of resource scarcity.

Question 7

where and why can the nexus approach be used?

Answer 7

The nexus approach can be applied at a number of scales, from small-scale local competition over access to water, to large-scale global interactions between energy, food and water providers.

At times these are positive impacts, such as increased use of fertilizers leading to increased yields. More often, though, the impacts are negative - the increased use of fertilizers leads to higher energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution.

Question 8

EXAM TIP!

Answer 8

When discussing or analysing the nexus provide specific examples of interactions between water, energy and food, for example, how does the construction of a dam affects the provision of water, energy and food?

Question 9

what is you first case study of resource security?

Answer 9

Water security in South Asia, a Nexus Approach

Question 10

give an introduction for Water security in South Asia, a Nexus Approach?

Answer 10

South Asia faces the challenge of providing sufficient water and energy to grow enough food for its expanding population. The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region is vital for the promotion of food, water and energy security downstream.

The issues and challenges in the food, water and energy sectors are interrelated in many ways. Moreover,t here is a high degree of dependency of downstream communities on upstream ecosystems servises such as water for irrigation, HEP and drinking water.

Question 11

What are some key indicators in water security in South Asia?

Answer 11

POPULATION (MILLIONS) 2007=1520 2050 projection= 2242

ANNUAL POPULATION GRWOTH RATE 2007=1.5% 2050 projection= 0.53%

POPULATION BETLLOW US$1.25/day (Million) 2007=596 2050=14.1

Question 12

what are the key characteristics of water security in South Asia?

Answer 12

growing water stress

upstream-downstream dependency on water

increasing dependency on groundwater for food production.

Question 13

care to expand on growing water stress?South Asia

Answer 13

Growing water demand for agriculture, energy, industry and human and livestock use: annual water demand is predicted to increase by 55% compared with 2005.

Question 14

what are the adaption challenges of growing water stress?South Asia

Answer 14

Providing access to safe drinking water in the face of increasing variability in the water supply.

Question 15

what is the interface among nexus resources and adaption to climate change for growing water stress?
South Asia

Answer 15

water-intensive adaptation practices leading to increased water pollution and water-born diseases, high child mortality, and poor human health.

Question 16

expand on the key characteristics of upstream-downstream dependence on water? South Asia

Answer 16

High dependence on downstream communities on the upstream for water to grow food and generate hydropower.

Question 17

what are the adaptable changes for upstream-downstream dependence on water?South Asia

Answer 17

need for enhanced upstream-downstream coordination and cooperation for sustainable development of HKH water resources.

Question 18

what is the interface among nexus resources and adaptation to climate change for upstream-downstream depenencande on water?South Asia

Answer 18

HKH rivers are the lifeline for dry-season water irrigation, hydropower and major economic activities.

Question 19

what are the key characteristics of increasing dependence on groundwater for food production?South Asia

Answer 19

about 70-80% of agricultural production depends on ground water irrigation.

Question 20

what are the adaptational challanges of increasling dependance on groundwater irrigation?South Asia

Answer 20

Adaping todeclining water tables.

Question 21

what is the interface amoung nexus reasorces and adaptation to climate change? South Asia

Answer 21

Groundwater pumping for irrigation requires excssive energy, which furthere increases electricity demand.

Question 22

what is you second case study for detailed examples of countries with contrasting levels of resorce security?

Answer 22

Improving food security in South Africa.

Question 23

care to give your introduction for improving food security in South Africa?

Answer 23

Several studies have looked at the potential impact of climate change on maise and potato production in South Africa.

A 10 per cent reduction in rainfall is likely to lead to a 4% reduction in Mazie yield, whereas an increase in rainfall is likely to increase Mazie yield. Increased temperatures would lead to a decrease in potato production.

Farmers have already started taking measures to adapt to these changes. There has been a diversification and substitution of crops, changes in planting time, greater use of shade crops, a change from flood irrigation to drip irrigation, and soil conservation measures.

Irrigation has been the most favoured adaptation, as water is the main limiting factor for agriculture in South Africa.

Question 24

what are the impacts of climate change yo need to be aware of for South Africa?

Answer 24

Impacts on crop productivity.

Impacts on food production

Impacts on food quality.

Impacts on livestock

Question 25

can you expand on the direct consequence on crop productivity for South Africa?

Answer 25

-The increase in temperature and changes in the timing, amount and frequency of rainfall may have severe effects on all agricultural systems in South Africa.

-In the dry western areas, crop production will become more marginal, while in the high-potential eastern areas, there may be a slight increase in production.

-The AVOID programme agreed on the possibility of decreased yields for nearly all cropland in South Africa but cautioned that there is a high degree of uncertainty.

-While the possibility exists that nearly all croplands could experience early and sustained declines in sustainability, even under the mitigation scenario, there is a high degree of uncertainty among projections regarding the amount of area undergoing decline.

Question 26

can you expand on the direct consequence on impacts on food production for South Africa?

Answer 26

Yields could potentially increase for rice and groundnuts, although confidence is limited by the small number of studies. In the case of groundnuts, rain-fed groundnut production is likely to increase. This is interesting from a protein food security perspective because groundnuts are currently a relatively minor crop in the country. Moreover, while nutritionally rich, groundnuts do not form a major dietary component for the country.

Sugar cane appears to be the most resilient to climate change. Both yield and harvested area are projected to increase. Yield is projected to increase by about 55% and area by about 16%, increasing total production by 80%. The difference between yields between the least favourable and the most favourable climate modes is only 5%, as it is the difference in yields between pessimistic and optimistic scenarios.

Soil type is a significant determinant of the impact of climate change on food production. Certain soil types, such as vertisols and xerosols, are less productive and therefore affect crops negatively in the face of climate change; other types, such as acrisols and aerosols,have a positive effect on crops and may help control adverse climatic effects.

Question 27

can you expand on the direct consequence on impacts on food quality for South Africa?

Answer 27

Rising minimum temperatures are a problem for the fruit industry, especially for apple farming, in terms of fruit quality.

An accelerated increase in minimum temperatures during autumn (1-2 C since the 1960s) has led to reduced fruit quality due to sunburn and heat stress. this appears to have decreased the country’s critical export-grade apple production.

in the case of apples, a certain number of chilling units during autumn and winter are needed to ensure coordinated budburst and subsequent harvest. In their absence, hormone sprays are used to ensure this coordination. But EU countries demand that these be phased out within the next few years, due to possible health concerns. Developing and replanting appropriate cultivators that are less sensitive to this effect may take several years.

Heatwaves cause sunburn of apples and induce water stress in trees, which leads to smaller fruit sizes.

Question 28

can you expand on the direct consequence on livestock for South Africa?

Answer 28

livestock farming will be affected in terms of greater water requirements for livestock and livestock heat stress.

The northern cape, which is a desert zone, accounts for the largest proportion of livestock (44%) in the country. It is followed by the eastern cape (14%) and the free state (12%), both in the arid zone. The western cape which falls in the winter rainfall zone, is the next largest. This suggests that if climate change exacerbates water shortages in the desert or arid zones, livestock farming will be affected.

Question 29

what is climate change influence on the nexus?

Answer 29

Climate change could influence the water-food-energy nexus in many ways. In some areas, it may reduce agricultural productivity, whereas in other areas it may increase it. Water supplies will diminish in some areas and increase in others.

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of climate-related shocks, and these will have impacts on food, energy and water supplies. Moreover, due to their interdependency, an impact on one part will have an effect on the other two.

Question 30

how will climate change affect the availability of the nexuses?

Answer 30

Climate change will infleunce food availability, crop yields, water availability, and the distribution of pests and diseases.

Higher temperatures and evapotranspiration rates will reduce water supplies and increase the need for irrigation.

Energy demand may rise due to the increased need for the pumping and treatment of water. There may be increased competition between the agricultural and energy sectors for scare water resources.

Question 31

how will attempts to limit climate change affect the Nexus?negative

Answer 31

For example, the production of biofuels may create new demand for water resources. The use of drip irrigation and desalinization of seawater, are very energy extensive. Increased groundwater use would also require extra pumping and therefore more energy resources.

Question 32

there are various synergies (the improvement of one improves the other) between climate change and nexus approaches, can you give two for water, and state their positive implications for the sector and the potential for synergies across the nexus?

Answer 32

switching from the use of freshwater to waste water - reduces freshwater per capita- increased availability of freshwater for food, energy and other uses.

Switching from wet to dry cooling at thermoelectric power plants - reduces water use and associated thermal pollution — increases avalability of water for energy and agreculture

Question 33

there are various synergies (the improvement of one improves the other) between climate change and nexus approaches, can you give two for land, and state their positive implications for the sector and the potential for synergies across the nexus?

Answer 33

switching to drought-tolerant crops- increased/ maintained crop yields in drought areas— reduced water demand.

using waste or marginal land for biofuels- increase in renewable energy— reduced pressure on non-renewable energy as some fossil fuels are replaced with biofuels.

Question 34

there are various synergies (the improvement of one improves the other) between climate change and nexus approaches, can you give two for energy, and state their positive implications for the sector and the potential for synergies across the nexus?

Answer 34

increased transmission capacity- reduced economic and social impacts- potential for reduced emissions if new transmission and wind/solar power are supplied to the grid.

increasing renewable energy, for example solar, wind biogas and bioenergy- increased clean energy and reduced pressure on energy— reduced GHG emissions, reduced water demands for colling, and thermal power.

Question 35

what are your waste management options for solid domestic waste?

Answer 35

Reduce the amount of waste

reuse goods to extend their lifespan

recover value

dispose of waste in landfill sites

Question 36

expand on reducing the amount of waste as a waste management option for solid domestic waste?

Answer 36

producers think more about the lifespan of goods and reducing packaging

consumers consider packaging and lifespan when buying goods.

Question 37

expand on reuse goods to extent their lifespan as a waste management option for solid domestic waste?

Answer 37

Bring-back schemes where containers are refilled e.g milk bottles.

refurbish goods to the extent of their useful life e.g using old car tyres to stabilise slopes.

used goods put to another use rather than thrown out (e.g plastic bags used as bin liners; old cloths used as cleaning cloths)

charity shops pass on goods to new owners.

Question 38

expand on recover value as a waste management option for solid domestic waste?

Answer 38

recycle goods such as glass bottles and paper

compost biodegradable waste to use as fertiliser.

incinerate waste - collect electricity and heat from it

Question 39

expand on dispose of waste in landfill sites as a waste management option for solid domestic waste?

Answer 39

put waste in a hole (natural or the result of quarrying) or use to make artificial hills.

Question 40

talk about international flows of waste?

Answer 40

China imports more than 3 million tonnes of waste plastic and 15 million tonnes of paper and cardboard each year. Containers arrive in many countries, with goods exported from China, and load up with waste products for the journey back.

A third of the UK’s waste plastic and paper is exported to China each year. Low wages and a large workforce mean that this waste can be sorted much more cheaply in china, despite the distance transported.

Question 41

where is the e waste capital of the world?

Answer 41

Guiyu in China has been described as the e-waste capital of the world. The industry is worth US$75 million to the town each year, but Guiyu’s population has high rates of lead poisoning, cancer-causing dioxins and miscarriages.

Question 42

what is your additional contemporary case study for a country with resource security?

Answer 42

Climate change has and is deeply affecting Vietnam’s water resources, changing the water cycle and causing extreme phenomena such as flooding, drought, and saline intrusion, thus prompting the urgent need for strengthening management of water resources.

violations in the field of water resources remain widespread, showing the weak enforcement of laws related to water resources management.

Additionally, other reasons include the lack of clarity regarding water resource management, slow progress in planning, the inadequacy of the information systems for water resource management, and limited public awareness.

There is a call for more investment in facilities to improve efficiency in water use as well as in wastewater collection and treatment, and stronger international cooperation in the field.

According to a water resources planning scheme for the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050, Vietnam targets increasing the rate of daily clean water use to 95% - 100% for the urban population and 65% for rural residents.

By 2050, Vietnam is expected to raise its national water security index to be among the countries that effectively ensure water security in the world.