The water–energy–food nexus is about understanding and managing often-competing interests while ensuring the integrity of ecosystems. The first challenge in dealing with the water–energy–food nexus is to understand it. The second challenge is to put the water–energy–food nexus concept into action. Specifically, these actions include the following:
- Need to significantly and rapidly reduce emissions to avoid the worst effects of climate crises
- Inefficient energy generation and distribution
- Water management and agrifood supply chain being considered as a separate pieces from energy and community development
- Limited coordination amongst public and the private sector, and with community members
- Lack of integrated planning geared towards implementation and long-term sustainability
- Insufficient support for non-traditional, clean technologies