WEFE nexus unveiled: a comprehensive review of monitoring and modelling methods in the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus
Authors: Maria Vrachioli, Nikos Mellios, Emre Alp, Nils Borchard, Cristina Sousa Coutinho Calheiros, Giulio Castelli, Virginia Rosa Coletta, Pedro N. Carvalho, Julieta Domínguez-Soberanes, Marianela Fader, Raffaele Giordano, Cristina Madrid-López, Hasan Volkan Oral, Chrysaida-Aliki Papadopoulou, Maria Papadopoulou, Sofia I. A. Pereira, Rocío Pineda-Martos, Tadej Stepišnik Perdih, Lydia Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia, Konstantinos Ziliaskopoulos, Giannis Adamos, Floor Brouwer and Chrysi Laspidou
Journal: Environmental Research Letters
Year: 2025
Keywords: WEFE nexus; monitoring; modelling; policy
Abstract
Sustainable resource management in the face of climate change is a pressing challenge for our society. This paper delves into the water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus, a scientific framework that supports the integrated assessment and management of interconnected resources. Shifting from sectoral to cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary perspectives, the WEFE nexus addresses interdependencies and interactions among water, energy, food, ecosystems and climate. This paper focuses on the extended nexus, incorporating ecosystems as a fourth pillar and underscoring the importance of considering ecosystems on an equal footing with the water, energy and food sectors. In addition, the paper emphasises the significance of monitoring and modelling techniques, laying the foundations for understanding nexus complexities and assessing uncertainty. It provides an overview of integrated nexus modelling, system analysis and socio-economic modelling, bridging the gap between nexus science and practice. The role of multifaceted stakeholder engagement methods, policy assessment and institutional analysis in nexus models is highlighted. Quantifying the nexus through indicators and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, the EU Green Deal and the EU Blue Deal are also key focal points. Finally, the paper addresses challenges in existing nexus-modelling attempts, advocates for the integration of transdisciplinary information and presents lessons learned. It concludes with recommendations for the future of the WEFE nexus, emphasising its potential to foster transformative change towards sustainable resource management and inclusive policymaking.
Citation: Vrachioli, M., Mellios, N., Alp, E., et al. (2025). WEFE nexus unveiled: a comprehensive review of monitoring and modelling methods in the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus. Environmental Research Letters, 20(11), Article 113005
Link to publication: doi.org/10.1080/1573062X.2025.2494780
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