21 Feb 2017
Research Presentation // "How Food, Energy, & Water Converge in the Southwest"
University of Arizona researchers are researching the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, exploring ways to address its scientific, technological, and societal challenges. In part, this is due to the UA’s location in the hottest of the North American deserts — the Sonoran Desert — with its exceptional biodiversity.
In Arizona, agriculture is one of the biggest industries, with an estimated $7.9 billion economic impact. On its own, Yuma, Arizona produces roughly 90% of all lettuce eaten in the United States between November and March. UA researchers work closely with government officials in Yuma to enhance agriculture in the region. Here, food, energy, and water are of great socioeconomic importance, but scarce if not for thoughtful, informed resource management.
In order to be responsible stewards of the environment, UA researchers believe that studying the intersection of food, energy, and water is essential. By collaborating on a number of FEW nexus-related research projects, we hope to expand knowledge and practical applications in this emerging and increasingly important arena.