World Water Congress 2015 Edinburgh Scotland
11. Key vulnerabilities and security risks
Author(s):
Christopher A. Scott *#,
Robert G. Varady*, Rafael de Grenade*, Bhuwan Thapa*#
* Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, The University of Arizona
# School of Geography & Development, The University of Arizona
Oral: PDFAbstract
What is the nexus?
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Water, energy and food (WEF) – essential for quality of life
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WEF mutually interdependent, for example:
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Irrigation – key for food security
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Hydropower – for energy security
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Sustainable farms and cities – water security
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Resource nexus – crucial for societal well-being and prosperity
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Social & political processes + institutions & policies - regulate & manage resources
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Security – seen in human, environmental terms and national security terms
Water security - Working definitions
The capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against water-borne pollution and waterrelated disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability. - UN Water 2013
Availability of adequate quantities and qualities of water for societal needs and resilient ecosystems, in the context of current and future global change. - Scott, Meza, Varady, et al., 2013