Chapter 9. The Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Latin America and the Caribbean: Priority Interconnections

EMBID IRUJO, ANTONIO; MARTIN, LIBER ALEXIS

Water-Energy-Food Nexus and Climate Change in Cities

Springer International Publishing

Año: 2022; p. 1 - 16

This article analyzes implementing the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), focusing on the identification of obstacles, opportunities and priority interconnections for the region. Based on a review of the theoretical background to the nexus concept and its current global configuration, we consider the main aspects of the WEF nexus to establish the debate in the LAC region. The paper discusses different nexus features in LAC while identifying the main challenges for implementation, harmonization with the human rights legal framework and national legal priorities for water use. By briefly describing the interconnections (water/energy; water/food; water/food/energy), we identify and discuss those which may prove critical for nexus implementation in the region. The interconnections that should be prioritized include: agriculture and food; irrigation modernization and aquifer overexploitation; hydropower, oil and mining; and water and sanitation services and biofuels. With one of the highest urban population percentages worldwide and many megacities, the urban nexus become critical for the region. After summarizing the priority interconnections, we conclude that scant consideration has been given to the nexus approach in a region where it could help tackle climate change and transform the current development model of intensive, yet unsustainable use of natural resources.