The Nexus Concept Integrating Energy and Resource Efficiency for Policy Assessments : A Comparative Approach from Three Cases

摘要: As the world increasingly runs up against physical constraints of energy, land, water, and food, there is a growing role for policy to reduce environmental pressures without adversely affecting increases in prosperity. There therefore need makers understand potential trade-offs and/or synergies between uses these different resources, i.e., encompass water–energy–food–land nexus decision making, where it no longer possible ignore limitations land availability its links other natural resources. This paper proposes modelling approach help assess various policies from perspective. The global macro-econometric model (E3ME) explores low-carbon transition through sets energy climate applied at spatial scales. E3ME assessing interactions are discussed. also argues offers an explanation why single traditional or classic has cover all parts satisfactory way, including feedback loops components. Other approaches methodologies suitable complexity science (e.g., system dynamics modelling) proposed, providing means capture holistic policy-making by causal Based on three case studies Europe, clarifies steps (from design towards conceptual model) linkages national regional levels. One study (The Netherlands) considers transitions level. Two (Latvia southwest UK) focus how renewable may impact nexus. A framework proposed generic application quantitative linkages. value concept efficient use resources demonstrated, recommendations supporting presented.