Definitions
Interconnectedness between water, food, and energy systems
What is the water-food-energy (WFE) nexus
What can desertification lead to?
*Sorry that this does not directly fit into this section..this website would not let me add another column
Falling crop yields and reduced food security for millions of people across the globe
In many countries, typically water-scarce countries, subsidized energy for pumping groundwater in agriculture can cause this environmental problem
*Sorry that this does not directly fit into this section..this website would not let me add another column
What is groundwater depletion
By increasing demand for irrigation and cooling while shrinking freshwater supplies and agricultural output, this global phenomenon intensifies resource scarcity, raises food prices, disrupts supply chains, and heightens competition for critical minerals needed in green technology
What is climate change?
What are some possible reasons for problems in the nexus?
Rapid population growth, environmental pressures, global governance failures, economic disparity (unequal distribution of wealth)
This type of economy is based on eliminating waste and pollution, circulating resources and materials, and regenerating nature
What is a circular economy?
In 2018, what percent of waste in developing countries was dumped in informal sites or just burnt
90% (World Bank)
This country views Arctic ice melting as an economic opportunity despite it threatening the WFE nexus (10% of this countries GDP is linked to the Arctic region)
What is Russia
What can result from a sea level rise? (3 results needed)
Heightened coastal flooding and erosion risk, coastal infrastructure at risk, and an economic strain on coastal communities
What issues can result from insecurity (shortages) of food, water and energy? (Think broad)
Social and political instability, geopolitical conflict, environmental damage
The amount of ecological resources necessary to produce the goods and services to support the lifestyle of an individual, nation, or world
What is ecological footprint
How much municipal solid waste is produced annually in the world? (In tonnes)
2.01 billion tonnes (World Bank)
*Will accept 2-2.02 billion tonnes as an anwser
An issue in the nexus can result in problems in the water sector, which could include…(according to world economic forum)
Disclaimer: This answer is in the perspective of the world economic forum, meaning that there are possibly other correct answers
Chronic shortages, water crisis, social unrest, or a drag on growth
*Answer needs at least 2 correct
In what ways could the melting Arctic ice caps impact the world?
By causing significant global sea level rise, premature algae blooms, and disrupting marine food chain (threatening food security)
*Two correct answers needed
In what ways are water and food interconnected? (examples)
Irrigation for agriculture, water consumption for food production, and virtual water along the value chain
Consumption of resources that exceeds the capacity to support it
Overshoot
In 2020, what was the estimated global direct cost of waste management
USD 252 billion (UNEP)
*Will accept a range of 240-260 billion as an answer
An issue in the nexus can result in problems in the food sector, which could include…(according to world economic forum)
Disclaimer: This answer is in the perspective of the world economic forum, meaning that there are possibly other correct answers
Food crisis or social unrest
*Answer needs at least one correct
This clear impact of human pressure and climate change on the environment involves land pressures through deforestation, overgrazing and overcultivation, combined with an increased frequency of droughts to cause soil degradation and erosion
What is desertification?
In what ways are energy and food interconnected? (examples)
Biofuls and energy consumption for food production
Capacity of a given area to generate resources and absorb waste
What is Biocapacity
This global process involves the disposal and recycling of consumer goods across borders, often resulting in HICs exporting waste to LICs or even MICs
What is the international trade in waste (or global waste trade)?
An issue in the nexus can result in problems in the energy sector, which could include…(according to world economic forum)
Disclaimer: This answer is in the perspective of the world economic forum, meaning that there are possibly other correct answers
Chronic shortages, energy crisis, economic damage, social unrest, or a drag on growth
*Answer must have 3 correct
In what ways does resource consumption impact climate change? (at least 5 reasons needed)
Fossil fuel extraction/burning, production and manufacturing emissions, transport of goods, land use/deforestation, waste generation/management, industrial agriculture, and energy intensive buildings
Also accept: Resource consumption primarily drives climate change by releasing greenhouse gases
In what ways are water and energy interconnected? (examples)
Hydropower, cooling for thermal power generation, and energy used for pumping, treating and transporting water