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

Abstract

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.

Introduction

Global forecasts indicate that the demand for food will double by the year 2025, which will lead to a doubling of the demand for freshwater for the extraction and processing of products necessary for the preparation of food and will exacerbate the water crisis [1]. It is important to note that during the period 1998–2022, energy intensity in the world as a whole as well as in the majority of countries showed a downward trend [2]. On the other hand, energy intensity in Iran showed an upward trend due to the annual growth of primary energy supply of 3% and economic growth of less than 2% [3]. For instance, when compared to other countries, Iran's energy consumption intensity is significantly higher than average [4]. The fact that Iran has a primary energy intensity that is ranked 139th out of 141 countries demonstrates the importance of implementing planned management [5]. A significant portion of the challenges that the nation has faced can be attributed to the concept of forgiveness [6]. This planning gap can be solved to a large extent by looking at the correlation between water, energy, food, and the environment [7]. Furthermore, by looking at the energy, water, and climate systems in an integrated way, we can provide comprehensive solutions for challenges and minimize the consequences of development [8]. The relationship that exists between water, energy, food, and the environment is a fundamental component of the concept of sustainability [9–11]. You can see a diagrammatic representation of the connection between water, energy, food, and the environment in the image to the right [12]. Quantifying the relationships between water, energy, food, and the environment through research, integrated modeling, and management to provide essential strategies for sustainable development in today's dynamic and complex world [13, 14]. This task is about striking a balance between the various goals, interests, and needs of people and the environment based on quantifying the relationships between water, energy, food, and the environment [15]. The strategy of correlating water, food, and energy, which may include strategic crops, may be able to provide the best cultivation model for the country in an optimal state of water and energy consumption, which will allow the country to achieve its most important goals [16]. The connection between water, energy, food, and the environment can serve as a roadmap for the nation's policy on sustainable development, which aims to alleviate the current water and environmental crises while simultaneously fostering a sense of safety [17].

The challenge of meeting the needs of a growing global population poses significant difficulties in ensuring adequate provisions of water, energy, food, and environmental resources for a nation [18]. One of the foremost challenges in the Asian region pertains to the imperative of safeguarding the provision of water, energy, food, and the environment while concurrently ensuring the security of these domains, all while avoiding undue depletion of natural resources [19]. Figure 1 shows the correlations of water, energy, food and environment nexus.

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The examination of the interrelationship between water, energy, food, and the environment holds significant importance, as it enables the effective management of national resources with minimal environmental repercussions and maximal socioeconomic advantages [21]. Given the intrinsic interdependence among water, energy, food, and the environment, it is imperative for stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to collaborate and foster mutual trust to effectively address sustainability challenges in a comprehensive and systematic fashion [22]. Institutional development is employed to facilitate policy formulation and foster dialog among diverse sectors engaged in this interaction, with the aim of reaching a consensus and identifying shared perspectives [23]. The key stakeholders involved in this process are the Energy Ministry, the Agriculture and Industry Ministry, the Mining Ministry, and the Trade Ministry. Furthermore, to facilitate consensus among the diverse departments and organizations engaged in the planning and policy formulation process, it is imperative to initiate a dialog among the different stakeholders and strategically align conflicting objectives to foster cooperation and mitigate potential disruptions [24]. The world's economic productivity index pertaining to water, energy, food, and the environment exhibits an upward trend, indicating that said index had reached its nadir in the year 2022 [25]. There is an optimistic trajectory that is expected to persist beyond the current year, driven by the introduction of reform policies pertaining to consumption and implementation strategies aimed at enhancing subsidies, water management, and energy efficiency within the agricultural domain.

This study examines the interrelationships among water, energy, food, and the environment within the given context. It also explores the imperative of addressing these interconnections through the lens of land use and the circular economy. After the exposition of the theoretical framework and the elucidation of the importance of the subject under consideration, an examination of two international and one domestic strategy will ensue. This paper examines the successful implementation of investment planning and the effective management of physical assets in resource-scarce countries. It highlights notable cases where these countries have effectively addressed the challenges associated with resource scarcity through proper asset management. The aforementioned countries encompass nations such as China, India, and Brazil. In the next section, the relationship between water, energy, food and environment will be discussed and analyzed with the approach of land preparation and the study of resource supply challenges in different climates of Iran. Additionally, it will explore the difficulties associated with resource provision in diverse climatic conditions throughout the nations. In conclusion, this synthesis of the aforementioned studies highlights the challenges inherent in effectively managing the interdependencies among water, energy, food, and the environment. Additionally, it underscores the various solutions and proposals that have been put forth to address these challenges. The main contributions of this review are as follows:

• examining the interrelationships among water, energy, food, and the environment within the given context;

• exploring the imperative of addressing these interconnections through the lens of land use and the circular economy;

• examining and evaluating the interconnections among WEFEN, specifically focusing on land reclamation

• Exploring the difficulties associated with resource provision in diverse climatic conditions throughout the nations;

• highlighting the challenges inherent in effectively managing the interdependencies among water, energy, food, and the environment.

Literature Review

A correlation has been observed between the utilization of ecosystem resources, including water, energy, food, land, and soil, and socioeconomic variables [26–28]. The aforementioned factors encompass water, energy, food, and the environment [29]. In alternative terms, the interaction between resource utilization encompasses three fundamental elements (namely water, energy, food, and the environment) that are crucial for human society [30–32]. For example, the generation of energy necessitates the use of water, while the cultivation of food also relies on water to guarantee the stability of agricultural output [33]. Consequently, this interdependence can create challenges for both energy and food production [34]. A significant proportion, exceeding 50% of the accessible freshwater resources, is allocated for the purpose of electricity generation within developed countries [35]. The energy consumption associated with food production accounts for approximately 33% of the total global energy usage [36]. However, it is possible to convert food and food waste into a viable energy source [37]. To manufacture a metric ton of durum wheat noodles, an estimated quantity of 100 m³ of water is necessary [38].

Hence, the correlation among water, energy, food, and the environment is regarded as a conceptual framework that elucidates the intricate interconnections and interdependencies among the three fundamental components of the system, namely water, energy, food, and the environment [39]. To mitigate the increasing scarcity resulting from economic pressures, climate change, and urbanization, it is imperative to adopt a comprehensive and interconnected approach that considers the interdependence of water, energy, food, and the environment [40]. Several studies have been conducted to examine the interrelationships among food, energy, and water [41–43], Specifically, investigations have explored the connections between water and food [44] water and energy [45, 46], energy and food [47], as well as the overall connections among food, energy, and water [48, 49]. A study was conducted in the Canary Islands, Spain, to examine the interrelationship between water, energy, and food, focusing specifically on the local desalination system [50]. This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing an integrated multiscale analysis to assess the interconnectedness of social and ecosystem metabolism in relation to water, energy, food, the environment, and sustainability. By leveraging the principles and concepts derived from complexity theory, the novel approach showcased the potential for a dependable quantitative assessment of the interplay between energy, water, and food [51]. The aforementioned task was accomplished through the establishment of connections between processors, which serve to transmit data pertaining to various dimensions and scales of analysis [52].

Wu et al. [53] employed a comprehensive balance methodology and drew upon relevant literature to identify ecological footprint, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water usage as key indicators for characterizing the family footprint. This enables the examination of the aforementioned four effects, which have been entirely omitted from the evaluation of environmental impacts associated with the utilization of natural resources and waste. This study demonstrates that the Footprint family encompasses a diverse array of sustainability concerns and has the potential to offer policymakers a comprehensive understanding of environmental intricacies, particularly in studies conducted at the national level. This study offers novel perspectives on the differentiation between environmental impact assessment and sustainability assessment, making it a valuable resource for interdisciplinary endeavors aimed at achieving global sustainability.

A solar polygeneration system is proposed by Rout et al. [54]. Thomas et al. [55] investigated an emphasis on the energy-water-food nexus an island in the Indian Ocean for solar energy intervention. Also, land utilization in ground mounted solar PV projects is studied by Thomas et al. [56]. They investigated the potential of using waste degraded land, with a focus on the impact on the cost of generation and decision making [57]. Thomas et al. [58] accounted the impact of externalities for, and respective cost components, namely, environmental cost, opportunity cost, and ecological imbalance cost were included in the water pricing, to analyze the impact on the cost of produced water.

In an article, Li et al. [59] introduced a partial balancing methodology for investigating the developmental trajectory of technical system tools while concurrently incorporating the examination of energy resources. The individuals were responsible for the design of decentralized energy generation systems within a specific geographical area. The method proposed in this study exemplifies the fundamental principles employed in the design of a local production system. It offers a case study that examines the interconnectedness between water and energy within an ecosystem in the United Kingdom. The utilization of a case study pertaining to the development of an integrated water-energy nexus in a city located within the United Kingdom serves as an exemplification of the suggested approach, which embodies overarching principles for the design of localized production systems. This study presents empirical evidence supporting the advantages of employing an integrated system design that leverages local resources to fulfill its requirements, in contrast to a system that depends on centralized resources and design without adequately considering potential integration opportunities among subsystems.

Xu et al. [60] investigated the interplay between water, energy, food, and the environment by employing a partial accounting methodology. This article examines the concept of integrated urban planning and its correlation with coordination capacity, specifically in relation to the domains of water, food, and energy. This study examined three hypotheses pertaining to the interplay between integrated policy frameworks and urban governance in the context of implementing such frameworks at the city level.

• the distribution of connectivity capacity by municipal authorities;

• the restoration of political authority through the implementation of comprehensive governance strategies;

• the realization of connectivity via smart city methodologies.

The aforementioned hypotheses contribute to the political aspect of the discourse on connectivity and underscore the significance of urban governance in tackling global challenges.

Ma et al. [61] conducted a study employing a partial accounting method to examine the integration of two distinct systems through a systematic equilibrium model. Their findings highlight the significant influence of city governments in determining the allocation of connectivity capacity. The findings of their study indicate that through proactive management and allocation of connectivity resources, municipal administrations can foster fair and inclusive availability of digital infrastructure, thereby mitigating the digital divide within their respective areas of governance.

Moreover, the restoration of political authority through the implementation of comprehensive management strategies is regarded as a crucial element of urban governance within the framework of connectivity [62]. The city government equilibrium model has determined that the allocation of connectivity capacity is heavily influenced by city governments through the adoption of an integrated approach to managing different aspects of urban life, including transportation, energy, and communication systems [63]. The findings of their study indicate that through proactive management and allocation of connectivity resources, municipal administrations can facilitate the fair and inclusive availability of digital infrastructure, thereby mitigating the digital divide within their respective areas of governance. Moreover, the restoration of political authority through the implementation of comprehensive management strategies is regarded as a crucial element of urban governance within the framework of connectivity [64]. City governments establish a comprehensive framework by adopting an integrated approach to managing diverse facets of urban life, including transportation, energy, and communication systems. Within this framework, emphasis is placed on a networked approach to effectively managing water resources [65].

A comprehensive methodology was developed by integrating the WEAP and LEAP models to create a toolbox for the Hamun Hirmand basin [66]. This study demonstrates that the implementation of the proposed toolbox, in alignment with the renewable energy potential in the basin, can effectively mitigate water scarcity by the year 2040 [67]. This can be achieved by harnessing renewable energies to facilitate the recovery of return water from the agricultural sector. Figure 2 [68] provides an overview of the global trend in the evolution of knowledge pertaining to water, energy, food, and the environment. It is evident that there is a discernible inclination towards the advancement of knowledge in the Asian, North American, and European regions. Moreover, the interconnection among water, energy, food, and the environment has garnered significant attention in Asia owing to the escalating population, the surge in food requirements, and the projected rise in energy consumption. Table 1 presents instances of successful correlations between water, energy, food, and the environment. Global empirical evidence demonstrates the potential for substantial cost reductions by implementing studies that examine the interrelationships between water, energy, food, and the environment.

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Table 1 Examples of successful experiences in the field of water, energy, food, and environment nexus.

No.	Project Title	Country	Quantitative effects	References
1	Community Garden of Via Gandusio	Italy (Bologna)	25%–30% water saving 932 grams of food per square meter	[69]
2	Polderdak Zuidas	Netherlands (Amsterdam)	10%–30% energy saving 83 m3 of water storage	[70, 71]
3	Chicago City Hall	America (Chicago)	More than 5000 dollars per hectare of energy savings 75% increase in water retention	[72]
4	Rooftop Park B. Bylon	Netherlands (Amsterdam)	100% increase in rainwater retention for agriculture	[73]
5	ASLA Headquarters	America (Washington)	10% energy saving 77% increase in rainwater retention	[48, 49]
6	Southmead Hospital Brunel Building	England (Bristol)	25% water saving	[74]
7	California Academy of Sciences living roof	America (San Fransisco)	10 energy saving 93% decrease in water flow	[13, 75, 76]
8	Concave Green Roof	South Korea (Seoul)	56% decrease in water flow 7.6 m3 of water storage for 140 m3	[76]
9	Fornebu Stormwater management system	Norway (Oslo)	230 m3 per hectare of water storage	[26–28]
10	Water Decelerating Green Strip	Netherlands (Amsterdam)	Reducing water flow and increasing water storage	[77]

In contrast, a number of studies have been conducted in the world pertaining to the interconnections among water, energy, food, and the environment. These studies are referenced as follows [70, 75] in a chapter discussing the partial accounting approach, Esfandiari et al. in a chapter focused on the partial balance approach, Esfandiari et al. [78] conducted a study investigating the interconnectedness of water, energy, food, and the environment in Shiraz, Iran. The alteration of land use in the Shiraz Plain due to the impact of urbanization has resulted in a significant decrease in the production of horticultural and agricultural goods. The emergence of rapid urbanization has become a significant issue in the region due to the evident decline in agricultural water and agricultural products. The initial analysis conducted in this study, utilizing the case study of Shiraz, indicates the necessity for a comprehensive investigation to elucidate the impact of urbanization on water resource accessibility, food production security in proximity to urban areas, and national-level energy demand. Furthermore, what are the requisite policy and planning modifications necessary to attain urban environments that are both sustainable and conducive to quality living in the forthcoming years? In their article, Ghasemipour and Abbasi [79] employed a partial equilibrium methodology to examine the dynamics of groundwater extraction and the subsequent export of virtual water.

This study offers water managers and regional decision makers an overview of the utilization of local water resources within the food trade network, thereby providing valuable insights and guidance [80]. The findings of this study can be utilized by regional policymakers to formulate pragmatic and implementable strategies aimed at mitigating water scarcity, promoting the sustainable utilization of water resources, and safeguarding food security. Naderi et al. [74] conducted a study to examine the relationship between water and energy by employing a partial balance approach and analyzing seasonal irrigation data. Through a comprehensive analysis of the systems and their respective performances within the Qazvin plain, it was determined that the utilization of both underground water and irrigation canals results in significantly greater energy efficiency in irrigation systems compared to buildings. The anticipated annual decline in the underground water level is estimated to be approximately 1 m, suggesting excessive utilization of the plain's natural recharge capacity. This trend raises concerns about the potential depletion of recoverable underground water within the plain over the course of the next three decades [81]. The reduction in underground water levels leads to a corresponding increase in energy consumption for water supply purposes, resulting in a rise of approximately 32% (equivalent to 310 GWh) to sustain agricultural water needs [82].

The implementation of a comprehensive set of water supply and demand management policies, such as the adoption of net conservation practices for agricultural water and the recycling of treated wastewater, represents a substantial approach to mitigating the issue of water constraints on regional development. Sadeghi and Moghadam [77], conducted a research study utilizing an analytical-descriptive approach and a partial balance approach. In their study, they put forth four policy solutions aimed at advancing policy goals. The proposal involves the implementation of water and energy pricing mechanisms, the establishment of cultivation models and strategic industrial placements, the revision of import and export policies to consider virtual water and water footprints, and the promotion of greenhouse product expansion. Based on the findings and existing evidence, it can be argued that the interrelationship between water, energy, food, and the environment represents a pragmatic, modifiable, and responsive strategy for addressing the continuously growing demands of the human population. Simultaneously, there exists a perspective that posits the presence of finite resources. The adoption of the correlation between water, energy, food, and the environment has been found to enhance the effectiveness of integrated watershed management, as supported by existing literature and a specific case study [83].

In a study conducted by Bakhshian Lemuki et al. [84], an examination was undertaken to analyze the environmental, social, and economic difficulties encountered in the Urmia Lake Basin, Iran. These challenges were primarily attributed to the escalating water scarcity resulting from heightened demand across various sectors. The findings indicated that a cultivation rate of 20% for irrigated wheat lands is necessary to mitigate water demand. Conversely, in the scenario where the yield of irrigated fields experiences a 20% increase and that of rainfed fields undergoes an 80% increase, it can be inferred that there will be no reduction in wheat production within the Urmia Lake basin. The revitalization of the lake is a feasible endeavor.

In the year 2020, Raver et al. formulated a simulation model that is spatio-temporally disaggregated, focusing on the domains of water, food, and energy. The researchers conducted an analysis of the interrelationship between water, energy, food, and the environment to assess the security of water and food supplies in the Gavkhoni basin, located in the central region of Iran. The findings of the study indicate that the simultaneous implementation of the policies pertaining to “Alteration of cultivation practices and enhancement of crop productivity” and “Regulation of underground water extraction” resulted in an improvement in the stability of surface water (4%) and underground water (5%). Additionally, this approach led to a reduction in the water requirement for food production (18%) and the energy consumption associated with water (26%).

In a separate investigation conducted by Sharifnejad et al. [85], an economic analysis module was incorporated into the model originally proposed by Raver et al. The findings indicate that implementing the suggested policy within the energy sector would lead to a decrease of approximately 30% in the overall energy cost for water as well as a reduction of about 61% in the total energy cost for water. This reduction is expected to contribute to a decrease in subsidies allocated for energy and water resources.

In the year 2020, Sadeghi et al. conducted a study on the linear optimization of the interrelationships between water, energy, food, and the environment in the Shazand watershed, located in the Marzari Province of Iran [86], The findings indicate that by employing linear optimization techniques to analyze the interrelationships between water, energy, food, and the environment, it is possible to achieve water savings ranging from 44% to 16%, energy savings ranging from 53% to 10%, and land use changes ranging from 40% to 57%. In the year 2020, Zarei conducted a study examining the dynamic issues pertaining to water, energy, food, and environmental security in the countries of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey [87], The findings indicate the necessity of examining the interrelationship between water, energy, food, and the environment in Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. This is primarily driven by the scarcity of water resources, including the shared border waters, the growing population, and the imperative for ensuring food security. Norouzi conducted a study examining the conceptual model of the interdependent relationship between food, water, and energy in Iran. The researcher employed a dynamic system approach to analyze the various factors influencing this relationship. The findings indicated that Iran experienced its lowest level of economic productivity index in 2009, specifically in relation to water, energy, food, and the environment. Subsequently, there was a notable rise in conjunction with the implementation of novel policies [70].

In a study conducted by Naderi et al. [74], a comprehensive analysis of the water resources system in the Qazvin Plain, Iran, was carried out. The research incorporated both qualitative and quantitative dynamic simulation methods, with a particular focus on the energy intensity of the water supply and consumption sectors, including urban, industrial, and agricultural domains. The findings indicated that if the current trajectory persists, there will be a decline in the underground water level, resulting in a 32% rise in energy consumption for water supply, equivalent to approximately 380 GWh, to sustain agricultural water usage. In their study, Khazaee et al. [88] examined the asymmetric association among energy consumption, chemical fertilizer consumption, CO2 emissions, temperature changes, and production over the period of 1961 to 2019. The researchers employed the NARDL approach and the Granger Equality Test in the frequency domain, as proposed by Zahedi et al. [89]. The findings indicate that the rise in energy consumption has a greater impact on agricultural production in terms of negative shocks compared to positive shocks. Additionally, the findings indicate that the application of fertilizer has a positive impact on long-term production, leading to its improvement. However, the impact of a negative shock is deemed to be statistically insignificant. Furthermore, the adverse impact of CO2 emissions has a positive effect on production.

Ultimately, fluctuations in temperature, whether positive or negative, have a discernible impact on production, with positive shocks leading to an increase and negative shocks resulting in a decrease [90]. In their study conducted in 2000, Hassanzadeh et al. [91], examined the interrelationship between water, energy, food, and CO2 emissions on a farm located in northwest Iran. The objective of their research was to offer empirical evidence that could assist decision-makers in formulating national strategies that effectively address the challenges posed by climate change. The researchers conducted an analysis of their actions. The findings indicated that under the optimal conditions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) index, there would be a reduction of 5.33% in water consumption, 9.58% in energy consumption, a decrease of 16% in food production, and a decline of 4.4% in CO2 emissions. Keyhanpour et al. [92], conducted a study to examine the simulation of sustainable water resource management to assess the influence of socioeconomic development on the security of water, food, and energy resources in the province of Khuzestan, Iran. The sustainable management of water resources in this study encompasses several key factors. These include a notable 16% enhancement in irrigation efficiency, a 10% advancement in cultivation patterns, a 6% decrease in agricultural product loss, a 5% reduction in food demand attributed to food loss, and a consistent annual increase of 5% in agricultural performance.

Kermian et al. [93] examined the application of the water-energy-food nexus index (WEFNI) as a novel perspective for farm-level management. This study posits that by comprehending the explicit and implicit mechanisms governing water, energy, food, and the environment, it becomes feasible to offer pragmatic remedies aimed at enhancing production efficiency, mitigating ecological contamination, and ultimately yielding cleaner food products. Mirzaei et al. conducted a study on the provincial distribution of Iran's water-energy-food index (GEF). The results of the provincial distribution of the Water, Energy, and Food (GEF) index are depicted in Figure 3, as presented in the article's findings [94], The GEF index posits that there is a positive correlation between productivity, measured as the ratio of product to energy, water, and land consumption, and the GEF index. It is evident that various agricultural commodities exhibit varying cultivation potentials across different provinces. Consequently, certain provinces have demonstrated superior potential and performance exclusively in the cultivation of specific agricultural products, as indicated by the GEF index. Figure 3 illustrates the significance of examining the interrelationship among water, energy, food, and the environment to achieve equilibrium in the allocation of resources pertaining to water, energy, food, and the environment. The findings of the studies examining the shortages of water, energy, food, and environment in Iran highlight the imperative of investigating this pressing matter in Iran for the purpose of effective management and planning to cultivate strategic crops with optimal water and energy consumption [94].

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By analyzing the above-mentioned literature, it is found that for solving the global resource scarcity problems, the look on the matter can not be separated but on the other hand, it should be looked at as a four dimensional aspect like WEFEN. Considering the rapid population growth in Iran, which increase from 35 million people in 1979 to 89 million in 2023 and it is predicted to reach 100 million by 2050. Moreover, the water shortage of the country which caused the water per capita to decrease from 4800 L in 1928 to 1380 liters per capita and predicted to decrease to 700 L per capita by 2050. All these enhancements and reductions caused the climate system in Iran to lose its productivity, and the severe food shortages happen in the country. The 280% inflation in the main food resources during the past 5 years is a witness for this crisis. The food, water, and energy crisis in Iran state the necessity of the Nexus concept view and perspective implementation in the Iranian governance and policymaking process. The main gap in this field is the lack of a native governance method for the country, which can be implemented to face the coming crisis and issues. Thus this paper is aimed to discuss the Nexus governance for Iran's future and global studies.

Global Case Studies in the Horizon of 2050

According to global projections, the future decades will witness a surge in demand for water, energy, food, and environmental resources. This increase can be attributed to factors such as population growth, economic advancement, technological advancements, expanding urbanization, climate change, resource depletion, and the prevalence of water scarcity [95]. According to projections, there is an anticipated need to increase food production by 60% by the year 2050, owing to the improved availability of nutrients and enhanced quality. Additionally, global energy consumption has exhibited an upward trend, indicating an expected 80% increase by 2050 [96]. Moreover, the demand for water is projected to rise by 50% by the same year. The data presented in Figure 4 depicts projected levels of water, energy, food, and environmental consumption for the year 2050.

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Based on the research conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it is projected that the global population will reach approximately 0.9 billion individuals by the year 2050, assuming the current circumstances persist (Figure 5). According to projections, the population in developed nations is expected to exhibit minimal fluctuations, while substantial global population growth is anticipated to occur primarily in developing countries [97, 98]. Moreover, empirical research indicates a notable rise in the global human demand for sustenance [99]. Figure 6 depicts the projected food demand across various sectors of the global population until the year 2050, as referenced in citation [100]. It is evident that there is a growing global demand for food, as indicated by statistical data projecting a 60% increase by the year 2050.

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According to one estimate, approximately one quarter of the potential net primary production has been converted by humans, either through direct cropping (53%), land-use-induced productivity changes (40%) or human-induced fires (7%) [101]. While such figures should be treated with caution, they do give an indication of the substantial impact of humans on natural ecosystems. Furthermore, the world's population is growing at a faster rate. This has led to large number of people being declared food-insecure; this has therefore resulted in land rush since nations are scrambling to secure land for agriculture and also to grow bio-energy crops to generate cheap fuels. Slashing and burning of forests is an ever-increasing practice and it can lead to biodiversity and ecosystems loss as well as land degradation. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and human development. This is considered as the major cause of diminishing biodiversity globally. Many species are faced with extinction (Figure 7). All this will increase the costs of humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable communities, as well as ecosystem conservation and restoration costs.

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Agriculture represents the largest proportion of water consumption, accounting for approximately 70% of global freshwater resources. In addition to the utilization of water for agricultural product manufacturing, water plays a crucial role in various aspects of the food supply chain, transportation, and the utilization of diverse energy sources [102]. Figure 8 illustrates the projected water consumption trends from 2000 to 2050. According to the data presented in Figure 8, it can be observed that water consumption in the member nations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is projected to decline by the year 2050. Notably, the most significant decrease in water consumption is anticipated to occur in the agricultural sector [103, 104]. According to this figure, the countries projected to experience the greatest increase in water consumption by 2050 are Brazil, India, China, Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa. Figure 9 depicts the comparative ratio between harvest and supply across various countries globally. It is evident that in numerous nations, such as Iran, there exists a significant disparity between consumption and supply, giving rise to a pressing concern. It is imperative to implement suitable policies in this context.

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In contrast, Figure 10 presents the projected energy consumption for the year 2050. Based on the findings of the study conducted by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), it is projected that energy consumption will experience a significant surge of approximately 80% within the timeframe spanning from 2022 to 2050 [105]. A significant portion of this expansion can be attributed to non-OECD nations, with a particular emphasis on Asian countries. In these regions, it is imperative to implement appropriate policies aimed at mitigating environmental pollution.

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Procedures and Necessity of Investigating the Correlation of Water, Energy, and Food

This section delves into the challenges and imperatives of exploring the interrelationships among water, energy, food, and the environment in the world. Figure 11 illustrates the historical trends of temperature and precipitation in Iran spanning a period of 30 years. It is evident that Iran is currently facing a precarious situation characterized by heightened levels of precipitation deficiency and rising temperatures across the majority of its territories [107]. Hence, it is imperative to implement suitable policies that encompass research on the interconnections among water, energy, food, and the environment [108]. Additionally, the harvesting process and the total capacity of Iran's operating dams are depicted in Figure 12 [109]. The prevalence of water harvesting is on the rise in tandem with escalating saturation levels, underscoring the significance of water, energy, food, and environmental research. Iran is currently facing significant challenges pertaining to water scarcity and land subsidence, which necessitate thorough investigation and analysis [110].

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Figure 13 depicts the relative magnitude of energy consumption in Iran compared to other countries examined in the study. Additionally, it is worth noting that Iran's position in terms of primary energy intensity is relatively low, as it ranks 139th out of 141 countries. This ranking indicates a notably elevated degree of energy intensity [111]. In contrast, Iran holds the position of being the second largest country in terms of natural gas reserves and the fourth largest consumer, which greatly reduces the possibility of exporting this valuable resource to levels that are almost insignificant [112]. On the contrary, Iran occupies the position of the seventh largest oil producer on a global scale while simultaneously holding the eleventh position in terms of oil consumption. Iran's energy supply is predominantly sourced from oil and natural gas resources, constituting approximately 99% of the total energy mix [113]. Iran possesses a comparatively larger energy supply when compared to Saudi Arabia and Turkey; however, it demonstrates a lower gross domestic product (GDP).

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The energy intensity levels at both the global and national scales have consistently decreased from 1998 to 2022. However, in the context of Iran, it can be observed that energy intensity has exhibited an ascending trend as a result of a yearly rise of 3% in primary energy supply and an economic growth rate that is below 2%. The significant level of energy consumption observed in Iran highlights the necessity for comprehensive investigations and the development of effective policies to address and reduce energy intensity [114]. Figure 14 illustrates the observed fluctuations in food consumption patterns across a range of countries, including those in Asia. The data indicates a significant increase in global food consumption, including in Asian nations [115].

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The integrated modeling toolkit (Figure 15) is developed by linking three key components: (1) an irrigation simulation module that employs a soil water balance model to estimate irrigation demands and energy needs for water abstraction and application, (2) a socioeconomic analysis module that uses a partial equilibrium model to simulate market dynamics and the behaviors of key actors, and (3) an environmental assessment module that employs LCA to evaluate key environmental impacts of agricultural production such as climate change, air pollution, water pollution, land use and resource depletion. The three modules are “soft-linked” so that they can operate individually but data and information output from one can be fed into the other two. There are also exogenous parameters that are inputs to one or more modules.

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Policy and Managerial Implications for Water, Energy, and Food Correlation

The primary obstacles encountered in the implementation of water, energy, food, and environmental interdependencies in the world are as follows.

• 1.

  The presence of sectoral policies and the absence of integrated management and solidarity.

• 2.

  Because water, energy, food, and environmental resources are all related and depend on each other in important ways, and because they are closely linked to environmental issues, climate change, economic factors, social dynamics, and policymaking, it is important for the relevant sectors to work together. This collaboration is essential for the purpose of implementing systematic management strategies among these sectors, with the ultimate aim of attaining the objectives of water, energy, and food correlation and sustainable development. The establishment of a dialog among stakeholders and the alignment of conflicting goals are essential components of planning and policy-making processes. This facilitates collaboration and minimizes disruptions among the involved departments and organizations, ultimately leading to the achievement of a shared objective.

• 3.

  The insufficiency of government financial resources for the initial funding of projects related to water, energy, food, and the environment

• 4.

  One of the foremost constraints impeding the realization of water, energy, food, and environmental initiatives within the nation pertains to the insufficiency of financial investment. This predicament is compounded by a multitude of obstacles, which include:

• 5.

  The absence of collaboration and synchronization among relevant entities

• 6.

  Issues pertaining to legislation and sector policies

• 7.

  Insufficient awareness and information pertaining to crucial aspects such as accurate data on societal energy consumption, water requirements, and food resources, coupled with a failure to adequately elucidate the crisis in these domains,

• 8.

  In the absence of tangible incentives for investment in this domain, the government, being the principal beneficiary of the execution of water, energy, food, and environment initiatives, assumes the pivotal role of providing crucial financial support for the implementation of such projects.

• 9.

  Insufficient availability of information resources and limited self-monitoring capabilities within the domains of water, energy, food, and the environment

• 10.

  A significant constraint observed in the water, energy, food, and environment correlation initiatives within the nation pertains to the insufficiency of informational resources and self-monitoring capabilities in the domains of water, energy, food, and the environment. The preparation and compilation of these information sources serve as the foundation for studies examining the interrelationships between water, energy, and food. The notion of it being a necessity is widely acknowledged.

• 11.

  The lack of novel technologies for the implementation of solutions pertaining to water, energy, food, and the environment

• 12.

  The successful implementation of certain suggested strategies to address the interdependence of water, energy, food, and the environment to attain a state of balance necessitates the adoption of novel technologies. It is advisable for companies to align their growth plans with the advancement of these technologies.

• 13.

  The lack of an established institution for the purpose of policy-making and the attainment of a shared consensus

• 14.

  As previously stated, a significant obstacle in the absence of water, energy, food, and environment correlation projects is the necessity for enhanced cooperation and coordination among relevant organizations. One proposed approach entails the implementation of institutional development initiatives aimed at enhancing policy-making processes and fostering constructive discourse among various sectors involved in this dynamic, with the ultimate goal of achieving consensus and establishing a shared understanding. In the context at hand, the ministries responsible for energy, agriculture, industry, mining, and trade hold considerable importance.

• 15.

  The inability to consolidate existing legislation in the domain of development

• 16.

  The interrelationship between water, energy, food, and the environment One of the primary challenges in this field is the formulation of legislation aimed at fostering the interconnection between water, energy, food, and the environment. In this context, it is incumbent upon the Councils, functioning as the legislative body of the nation, to enact legislation that recognizes the significance and indispensability of the interdependence between water, energy, food, and the environment, particularly in the forthcoming years. This will facilitate the expeditious monitoring and execution of associated initiatives.

• 17.

  Climate change is a phenomenon that refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns and average temperatures on Earth. It encompasses various factors, including natural processes and human activities, that contribute

• 18.

  Climate change is widely recognized as a natural phenomenon that poses challenges to the study of the interrelationships among water, energy, food, and the environment. It is advisable to assess these modifications in light of a current and precise understanding of climate change forecasts within research examining the interrelationship between water, energy, food, and the environment.

Conclusion

The water, energy, food, and environment nexus framework is a comprehensive viewpoint on sustainability that aims to achieve equilibrium among various objectives, interests, and requirements of individuals and the environment. This is accomplished by quantifying the interrelationships between water, energy, food, and the environment through qualitative and quantitative modeling, with particular consideration given to cultivation practices. Strategically positioning products in various regions of the country enables the facilitation of essential decision-making processes. Given the presence of environmental and water crises that pose a threat to the food and energy security of the nation, The effective management of water, energy, food, and environmental interdependencies, in accordance with the requirements and involvement of all relevant stakeholders, has the potential to regulate these dynamics and foster equilibrium across various sectors. One of the primary obstacles encountered in Iran's efforts to establish a correlation between water, energy, food, and the environment is the presence of sectoral policies and a lack of integrated management and coordination. Additionally, the government faces financial constraints in providing the initial funding for projects related to water, energy, food, and the environment. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of information resources available in this context. and The ability to engage in self-monitoring within the domains of water, energy, food, and environment; the dearth of novel technologies for the execution of solutions that integrate water, energy, and food; the absence of an institution dedicated to policy formulation and the establishment of a shared agreement; the deficiency in the creation of legislation pertaining to the advancement of water, energy, and food integration The topic of discussion pertains to climate change. One of the crucial initiatives and strategies for enhancing the interconnection between water, energy, food, and the environment involves the establishment and advancement of a robust market infrastructure, the utilization of artificial intelligence to foster the growth of the digital economy, the adoption of innovative technologies to facilitate the integration of water, energy, food, and the environment, and the implementation of policy-oriented resolutions such as legislation and land preparation.

In relation to the interconnection between water, energy, food, and the environment in the world, the following solutions and proposals can be identified.

• The establishment and advancement of clearing market infrastructures, along with the implementation of the circular economy, prove to be conducive to the progress of projects pertaining to water, energy, food, and the environment.

• The utilization of artificial intelligence in the digital economy, along with the advancement of novel technologies pertaining to the execution of projects that address the interconnection between water, energy, food, and the environment, are regarded as viable approaches for the progress of such projects.

• Land preparation involves a comprehensive evaluation of various natural, social, economic, and cultural aspects. The objective is to identify strategies that can effectively support and empower the user community in making informed decisions regarding viable approaches to enhance and maintain land productivity. This is crucial for meeting evolving societal demands, particularly in relation to the establishment of water connections for developmental purposes. Energy and food are widely recognized as fundamental necessities.

• The Councils assume a crucial role in formulating overarching regulations pertaining to industrial development, the utilization of energy and water resources, the coordination among relevant entities, and the delineation of each institution's role in attaining sustainable development.

• The coordination among the three departments, namely the Deputy Planning and Economic Department, the Deputy Department of Water Affairs, and the Deputy Department of Electricity and Energy Affairs, within the Ministry of Energy, along with the participation of the Strategic and Integrated Planning Office, is essential for the compilation of development and organizational plans pertaining to relevant issues. Additionally, coordination with the Deputy Director of Water and Soil Affairs is also necessary. There is a perceived need to enhance water efficiency and establish systematic water consumption practices within the agricultural industry.

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