Water, Energy, Food, and Environment Nexus for Achieving Sustainable Transition, Addressing Gaps, and Implementing Solutions for Global and Iranian Cases

Abstract

The challenge of providing water, energy, food, and managing the environment (WEFEN) is widely recognized as a significant barrier to global advancement in light of the increasing population. The interconnections among water, energy, food, and the environment constitute a comprehensive framework for achieving sustainability. Based on projections, it is anticipated that the global community will encounter crises pertaining to water, energy, food, and the environment in the foreseeable future. The objective of this paper is to analyze global research endeavors pertaining to the interconnections among water, energy, food, and the environment. Additionally, it aims to address the challenges and imperatives of investigating this nexus within the context of the world. This framework aims to achieve a harmonious equilibrium by considering the diverse objectives, interests, and requirements of both human societies and the natural environment. The correlation established by WEFEN has the potential to provide valuable insights for informing future global sustainable development policies in relation to environmental and water crises. This review study critically analyzes the existing body of research pertaining to the interplay between water, energy, food, and the environment in Iran and globally. Additionally, it highlights the challenges encountered in studying this intricate relationship and underscores the imperative for further investigation in this domain. This study reveals that the main barriers to achieving global integration of water, energy, food, and the environment are sector-specific policies and a dearth of integrated management approaches. The findings of this study encompass recommendations for enhancing the interplay between water, energy, food, and the environment. Additionally, establishing a dedicated policy-making institution and reaching a consensus on a comprehensive plan are crucial steps. Furthermore, it is imperative to develop and enhance the infrastructure of the clearing market to address pertinent matters effectively.