Evaluation of the water-energy-food nexus with the focus on climate change in Sakarya Watershed

Abstract

Water-Energy-Food sectors constitute a cyclical system linked to each other with a complex and dynamic structure. WEAP and LEAP models were used to evaluate the current situation of nexus and to evaluate different scenarios. The study area was selected as the Sakarya River basin. The scenarios developed range from changes in agricultural activities to transition to cleaner production in industrial processes. Moreover, energy related scenarios were also assessed via the integration of WEAP and LEAP models. In addition, ecologic flow requirements were also evaluated using three different methods. It was found that it is possible to conserve water and ensure the security WEF nexus by adopting simple changes in crop patterns, modifying the irrigation systems and preferring cleaner production techniques. It is also suggested that the cultivated area of the crops with lower energy consumption factors is increased to further contribute to the security of WEF nexus in the basin. Copyright © 2020 Water Environment Federation.