Professor Iqbal Mujtaba FREng from the University of Bradford, highlights the crucial role of education in implementing the WEFE Nexus
Protecting natural resources is more vital than ever; societies need to seek innovative solutions to future-proof our way of life. Certain resources, like water and the environment, are intrinsically linked, with impacts on one system causing ripple effects on the other.
Yet, historically, valuable resources like energy, water, and food have been managed independently. In 2011, the World Economic Forum introduced a holistic approach to resource management that has since transformed our understanding in the face of climate change. This system, termed the Water Security: Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE Nexus), integrates the management of these critical resources, emphasising the need to examine a much bigger and more connected picture. This approach has significantly influenced research, innovation, and planning within these sectors.
The Nexus in action
Water use in energy generation is an essential example of this holistic approach. While biofuels might appear to be an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, their production is water-intensive, requiring between 1,000 and 4,000 litres of water per litre of biofuel.
Fossil fuel energy sources also vary significantly in their use of water. Natural gas plants, on average, use 2,803 gallons of water per megawatt-hour (MWh) produced, whereas coal-fired plants withdraw nearly seven times more, at 19,185 gallons per MWh. In regions already experiencing water resource strain, energy production must be meticulously planned. No single solution fits all environments, and sustainable energy options are not always the most water-efficient. Therefore, the WEFE Nexus can help assess the best methods moving forward.
Education is the missing ‘E’
To address fundamental WEFE Nexus challenges, the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Frontiers programme hosted a collaborative symposium in Amman, Jordan, in February 2024 that brought together an interdisciplinary group of over 70 researchers, innovators and practitioners from 22 countries, representing a wide range of backgrounds and sectors. From the insights shared, it’s become clear to me that there is a missing piece to this Nexus – Education.
Education is a critical yet often overlooked component of the WEFE Nexus. The framework considers all resources holistically, acknowledging that impacts on one element can ripple through others. However, for the Nexus to be effectively implemented, the role of education must be recognised. Education incorporates a social dimension to the Nexus that extends beyond resource management alone. Control over resources like water, energy, food, and the environment is essential, but without considering the state and quality of education within a society, community resource management can be impacted.
Resource managers must understand the interconnectedness of all sectors within the Nexus, and local communities must appreciate the value of sustainability and the conservation of community resources like water and food. This, in turn, empowers communities to have agency over resources valuable to their livelihoods and their land.
Empowering refugee communities
Globally, many individuals belonging to certain groups are deprived of basic education, which impacts their ability to manage and sustain vital resources effectively.
Women make up around half the world’s population, but their education and empowerment have been undermined in many regions. In Afghanistan, girls and women have been deprived of education. In most cases, they are no longer allowed to attend secondary school and higher education. In Nigeria, approximately 14 million children are out of school, with girls making up 60% of this number. Barriers such as sexual violence and cultural practices often prevent girls from accessing education, further isolating them from societal progress.
The experiences of many refugees settling in a new country also highlight the crucial role of education in resource management. In countries like Bangladesh, for example, refugees often lack access to mainstream education, impeding their integration and resource management capabilities.
Lack of education impacts both personal development and more comprehensive community well-being. The deprivation of education leads to broader issues such as drug abuse, child labour, sextortion, and social disorder, severely affecting the individuals’ well-being and their ability to thrive. This, in turn, undermines the strength of a community, preventing them from making informed decisions about the long-term health of their communities, including resource management.
Improving education and inclusion
Improving education and inclusion for underrepresented communities, including refugees, women, and young girls, empowers these communities to participate further in designing solutions to complex WEFE Nexus challenges. The Royal Academy of Engineering’s recent report, The EDI Engine, highlights the importance of embedding inclusivity within the design and development of engineering solutions to ensure that they serve a broader population, including underrepresented groups. Diverse teams, which include people from a range of backgrounds and disciplines, are uniquely placed to solve complex, multifaceted problems and catch potential design flaws that could lead to extra cost, reduced sustainability, and implementation delays.
Education helps everyone to realise their potential in economic, political, and social aspects and is the most powerful way to lift people out of poverty. The promotion and enforcement of education should not be left solely to governments. NGOs, community, tribal, and religious leaders, and individuals in society can play a crucial role in advocating for the importance of education and developing the educational framework necessary for societal prosperity.
Environmental awareness and responsible consumption
Environmental awareness and the concept of responsible consumption of resources must be integrated into early education. Introducing concepts of conservation, food waste reduction, and the circular economy early on fosters a sense of responsibility and sustainability in future generations.
For the WEFE Nexus to be truly effective, education must be a central component. Educating both resource managers and local communities about sustainable practices and the interconnected nature of their resources fosters a more resilient and inclusive future. Ensuring that underrepresented groups in these communities are included in resource management and solution design is more likely to lead to longer-lasting solutions that benefit a wider population.
While the WEFE Nexus has significantly shifted our perspective on supporting society in the face of climate change, we must continue to address the challenges in this area with an open mind. Prioritising education ensures that we not only protect our environment but also empower individuals and communities, paving the way for a sustainable future for all.
