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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The Five Ws of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus: A Reflexive Approach to Enable the Production of Actionable Knowledge

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Author(s):
Dalla Fontana, Michele [1] ; Wahl, Darin [2] ; Moreira, Fabiano de Araujo [1] ; Offermans, Astrid [3] ; Ness, Barry [2, 4] ; Malheiros, Tadeu Fabricio [5] ; Di Giulio, Gabriela Marques [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, Dept Environm Hlth, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Lund Univ Ctr Sustainabil Studies LUCSUS, Lund - Sweden
[3] Maastricht Univ, Maastricht Sustainabil Inst, Maastricht - Netherlands
[4] Lund Univ, Ctr Innovat Res, CIRCLE, Lund - Sweden
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Hydraul & Sanitat Engn, Sao Carlos Sch Engn, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Review article
Source: FRONTIERS IN WATER; v. 3, SEP 29 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The water-energy-food nexus is now a popular approach in the sustainability field. However, whereas the nexus calls for more holistic, inter- and transdisciplinary approaches, the research produced over the past decade has been fragmented and specialized. Furthermore, there is still a gap between the nexus as a descriptive and analytical concept and its operationalization. Nexus research needs a shift from ``thinking{''} to ``action,{''} which we understand as the production of actionable knowledge. This paper delves into the literature and presents five ``W{''} questions as an iterative heuristic for the nexus concept to encourage reflexivity and inter-and transdisciplinary dialogue, while aiming at the production of actionable knowledge. We draw on the literature to discuss the five ``W{''} questions of the nexus, namely: (i) Why, in which we explore the purpose of nexus research for actionable knowledge; (ii) What, in which we explore the material aspect of the nexus and the interactions between water, energy and food systems; (iii) Where, in which we discuss issues of scale, interactions between scales, and the geographical context of the nexus; (iv) When, in which we consider temporal dimensions of nexus research with a particular emphasis on intergenerational trade-offs, and (v) Who, which focuses on nexus stakeholders and the importance of understanding issues of justice and equity. Finally, we discuss the connections and dependencies between the five Ws, reinforcing the importance for researchers to reflect on their decision-making and engage in inter- and transdisciplinary debate to enable nexus action.</p> (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/50423-6 - Globally and LOCally-sustainable food-water-energy innovation in Urban Living Labs: GLOCULL
Grantee:Tadeu Fabricio Malheiros
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 18/21249-0 - Globally and Locally-sustainable Food-Water-Energy innovation in urban living labs - GLOCULL - project indicators system for sustainability assessment in urban food/water and energy integrated projects
Grantee:Fabiano de Araujo Moreira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 18/21362-1 - Globally and locally-sustainable food-water-energy innovation in Urban Living Labs, sustainable urbanisation global initiative - GLOCULL – project: local dynamics and conflicts around the multiple interests and uses in the Billings Reservoir from nexus approach
Grantee:Michele Dalla Fontana
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral