Examining the Food-Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Transboundary River Basins through a Human Dimension Lens: Columbia River Basin

Previous food-energy-water-environment (FEWE) nexus studies have primarily focused on technical aspects, such as data analysis and model development. However, to inform policy and the resulting management of resources in politically complex transboundary systems, nontechnical human factors in the FEWE nexus should also be considered. This paper explores the human dimension of the FEWE nexus in the Columbia River basin between the US and Canada. We hosted a workshop with regional government agencies to review and evaluate current policies and management of the institutional aspect of FEWE resources. We then surveyed residents from both the US and Canada, who share transboundary water resources in the region, to evaluate their awareness of the FEWE nexus and its related policies, representing the residential aspect. The outcomes of the workshop showed that (1) a consensus of common metrics for all sectors (food, energy, water, and environment) can provide a uniform basis for cross-sectoral comparison; (2) it is critical to have adaptive management and interagency coordination mechanisms; and (3) the support of local residents is key to successful policy implementation. The survey results suggested that residents understand a strong relationship between water and energy sustainability. Females and renters showed stronger support for policies related to FEWE sustainability. Combining knowledge from the workshop and survey will support the development of a more realistic modeling framework.

Automated summary

The study of the FEWE nexus should consider non-technical human factors, exploring how humans perceive and interact with the interconnections between food, energy, water, and environment. In the Columbia River basin between the US and Canada, consensus metrics, adaptive management, and local resident support were identified as key factors for successful policy implementation. The combination of workshop insights and survey results will contribute to the development of a more realistic modeling framework.