Introduction to the Special Section on the Food, Energy, Water Nexus

摘要

Three critical resources; water, food, and energy; are essential for sustainable development. As described by the United Nations program on water [http://www.unwater. org/water-facts/water-food-and-energy/] "demand for all three is increasing, driven by a rising global population, rapid urbanization, changing diets and economic growth." This special section was developed by Nada Anid and Marta Panero, from the New York Institute of Technology. Within their description of the topic, they point out the complexities of the interactions associated with these three critical resources. "The global challenges for meeting the human needs for food, water, and energy are inter-connected in complex ways. A sustainable future requires better understanding of the structures and models that connect food, energy, and water resource systems. This is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity and it requires advances in science, engineering, economics, practice and policy."