Water, energy and climate are inseparable — how to navigate the nexus for a sustainable future
The interplay between climate change, water availability and energy demand represents one of the most critical challenges in sustainability research. These interdependent systems require integrated resource management as climate change rapidly affects both water and energy. Systemic solutions are essential to address this complex nexus.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that energy production is intrinsically linked to climate change, with fossil fuels accounting for approximately 80 per cent of global energy generation. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that these fuels are responsible for 73 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. This reliance accelerates global warming and disrupts climate patterns.
Rising temperatures intensify energy demand, particularly for cooling, creating a cyclical relationship where increased energy consumption further exacerbates climate change.
The IEA estimates that climate change could increase global energy demand by 25 per cent to 58 per cent by 2050, primarily due to heightened cooling requirements in warmer regions. Transitioning to renewable energy is therefore imperative to break this cycle. However, renewable technologies such as hydropower and bioenergy can significantly impact water resources, linking energy transition strategies to water availability.
Energy policies must aim to reduce carbon emissions while considering implications for freshwater systems. A holistic, systems-based approach is needed to address the interdependence of climate, water and energy, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
Water: The hidden cost of energy
Climate change is profoundly altering the hydrological cycle, causing shifts in precipitation patterns, accelerated glacier melt and increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods. These changes disrupt global water availability, affecting energy generation, agricultural productivity and public health.
Water scarcity, intensified by climate change, has led to increased reliance on energy-intensive water management strategies such as desalination and groundwater extraction. While these methods provide short-term relief, they demand substantial energy. If derived from non-renewable sources, this exacerbates carbon emissions, further fuelling climate change.
Numerous studies underscore the detrimental effects of climate change on water resources. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are diminishing freshwater availability, heightening scarcity in many regions. According to the World Resources Institute, by 2040, 33 countries will experience extreme water stress, with over 80 per cent of their water resources withdrawn annually.
The United Nations Environment Programme anticipates a 30 per cent increase in droughts by 2030, particularly in vulnerable areas, while the World Meteorological Organization reports a fivefold increase in climate-related disasters over the past 50 years, compounding global water stress.
How to manage climate-water-energy nexus
Addressing the climate-water-energy nexus requires adopting strategies that minimise trade-offs while enhancing synergies among these essential resources. Innovative water-efficient technologies, such as dry cooling systems in power plants, can significantly reduce water usage by up to 90 per cent, albeit with a slight reduction in efficiency.
Similarly, decentralised renewable energy systems like solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind energy consume less than 1 per cent of the water used by fossil fuels, thereby alleviating pressure on limited water resources.
Energy-efficient water management is another critical aspect. Policymakers need to carefully evaluate the energy demands of processes such as desalination compared to conventional water treatment. By prioritising low-water-intensity renewable technologies and investing in water-saving practices, resilience to climate change can be strengthened, ensuring a sustainable approach to resource management.
Integrated Resource Management provides a holistic framework for addressing the interconnectedness of water, energy and climate policies. This approach enables coordinated planning that reduces inefficiencies and fosters synergies.
For instance, recycling water — including greywater and industrial reuse — can significantly reduce the demand on freshwater resources, especially in agriculture and industry. Concurrently, adopting energy-efficient technologies for water services can lower energy consumption and support sustainable water management practices.
Maximising the potential of renewable energy sources is another vital strategy. Solar and wind energy, in particular, reduce reliance on fossil fuels while minimising water consumption during power generation. Governments can further enhance these efforts by encouraging public-private partnerships to invest in sustainable technologies.
Such collaborations can fund innovative research, scale efficient systems and integrate energy-economic models that assess and address constraints on water supply.
Nature-based solutions (NbS) play a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources. Restoring and protecting ecosystems such as wetlands, forests and watersheds not only enhance water security but also reduce the energy demands associated with artificial water management systems. NbS thus offer a dual benefit by safeguarding natural resources and supporting climate resilience.
Fine-resolution modelling provides a deeper understanding of local resource constraints and their implications for energy and water supply chains. Utilising global crop, hydrological and agro-economic models at granular spatial resolutions enables the development of spatially explicit energy-economic or hydro-economic strategies tailored to regional needs.
Climate financing is a critical enabler in this endeavour. Initiatives must prioritise integrated resource management to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while bolstering water and energy security.
Allocating funds to renewable energy technologies with low water intensity, such as solar PV and wind energy, is essential. Moreover, financing nature-based solutions can provide holistic solutions to the climate-water-energy nexus, ensuring a sustainable and equitable approach.
Capacity building forms the backbone of these efforts. Investing in skill development for implementing and managing sustainable water-energy systems is crucial for long-term success. Mobilising climate finance can catalyse public-private partnerships, fostering collaborative action and driving transformative solutions to address the interconnected challenges of the climate-water-energy nexus.
Why action is necessary
The intricate interconnections between climate change, water resources and energy demand form a critical nexus that necessitates comprehensive and integrated strategies. Climate change is transforming hydrological systems and driving up energy needs, making it essential to recognise their interdependence. Failure to address this nexus will heighten vulnerabilities, creating a cascading effect of resource scarcity and instability.
A systems-based approach is imperative to optimise resource use, advance renewable technologies and protect natural ecosystems. Leveraging climate finance can catalyse investments in innovative technologies, promote nature-based solutions and ensure equitable adaptation to climate impacts.
Addressing the climate-water-energy nexus holistically must be a priority for future research and policymaking. The choices made today will shape resource availability for future generations and influence the trajectory of our climate. Policymakers, industry leaders and global citizens must collectively acknowledge the deep connections between these resources to secure a sustainable and resilient future.
Qazi Syed Wamiq Ali is the Technical Expert – Water for the Watershed Development Component under PMKSY 2.0 at the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, New Delhi
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth