Abstract
Worldwide, consumption of resources such as water, energy and food continues to rise exponentially despite environmental and climatic change related challenges. Centralized sewerage systems continue to be implemented worldwide despite being very water and energy intensive, and although this is not always the best option for regions facing water scarcity. Deploying the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus approach, particularly through alternative technology options that can support decentralized water reclamation with integrated resource recovery, can enable resource conservation and more effective management of the WEF security Nexus for local governments with limited capacities. However, a certain pattern of “business as usual” infrastructure development and investment linked to infrastructure shaming continuously reinforces implementation of centralized sewerage systems, thereby hampering deployment of alternative technology options. This study uses two typical case study towns, Shaxi in China and Leh in India, to describe this pattern. The study finds that alternative technology approaches were in place in both towns. Yet after international consulting companies got involved, centralized sewerage systems were implemented despite limited water availability and large segments of the population not having flush toilets. This study discusses management of the WEF security Nexus implications thereof in the context of cities worldwide and a systemic socio-technical transition to a circular economy.
Highlights
With ongoing urbanization, globalization and industrialization, the growth-dependent global economy is driving over-consumption of natural resources such as water, energy and food worldwide, especially in cities [1]
Despite the apparent risks associated with climate change, resource demand continues to rise worldwide
This study takes a case study approach. This empirical method is considered suitable for the detailed explorative study of phenomena that are as yet little studied, complex, contextual, that must be analyzed using multiple sources of evidence, and which defy use of quantitative methods [22,23]
Summary
Globalization and industrialization, the growth-dependent global economy is driving over-consumption of natural resources such as water, energy and food worldwide, especially in cities [1]. This has led to degradation of the environment, a process that is interacting with and further accelerated by a dangerous alteration to the climate [2]. Despite the apparent risks associated with climate change, resource demand continues to rise worldwide. Global water demand is expected to exceed supply by 55% by. Food demand is expected to increase by 60% by 2050 due to population growth and increased consumption
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