2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Mar 04, 2026

2023-2024 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

EN 105 - Understanding the Water-Energy-Food Nexus

Water, energy, and food are the building blocks of human livelihood, healthy ecosystems, and a sustainable future. Despite being intricately connected, water, energy and food systems are traditionally viewed by policy makers as separate sectors, each with their own challenges and solutions. This siloed, sectoral approach has often led to solutions that are not comprehensive, sustainable, or equitable. This course explores the nexus approach as a holistic alternative that engages with the complex interrelationships between water, energy, and food systems. The nexus approach recognizes the interdependencies between water, energy, and food systems and aims to address the challenges of resource scarcity, sustainability, and security. Not only does the application of the Nexus approach allow for a better understanding of the synergies and tradeoffs, it also promotes solutions that have a wider range of socio-economic and ecological benefits. Students will gain a deep understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and sustainability implications of managing global natural resources in a rapidly changing world.

Course Designation/Attribute: GP

Anticipated Terms Offered: Annually