Responding to climate change, conserving freshwater ecosystems and supplying adequate energy and water are some of the greatest challenges facing society. In an era of climate change the extra water required to expand energy production and the extra energy required to manage water scarcity are particular dilemmas. This two day Climate, Energy and Water Nexus Forum brought together leading researchers and policy makers from the United States, Europe and Australia to discuss case studies, examine policy response options and identify potential solutions. As the pace of development of new climate change and water policies increases, this forum addressed the critical need for better knowledge to integrate measures and avoid conflicting outcomes.
The Forum began with an exploration of how we can benefit from new and renewable energy technologies, and carbon sequestration, while minimizing perverse outcomes for water resources. The state and national scale systems for integrating management of energy and water policies were considered and the Forum concluded with a discussion with policy makers on potential solutions. The Forum included the launch of the Australian and United States Climate, Energy and Water program, and a special edition of Ecology and Society on the energy water nexus.
The Forum was co-hosted by the National Water Commission, United States Studies Centre and its Dow Sustainability Program, and the Australian National University. It was held at the Australian National University.