Conserving freshwater ecosystems while supplying human energy and water needs is one of the greatest challenges facing society. The extra water required to expand energy production and the extra energy required to manage water scarcity are particular dilemmas. The Climate, Energy and Water Nexus Forum at the University of Melbourne forum brought together leading researchers and policy makers from the United States, Europe and Australia to discuss case studies, examine policy response options, identify potential solutions.
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. 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 was co-hosted by the Melbourne Energy Institute, the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, the University of Melbourne, the Dow Sustainability Program of the US Studies Centre and the Australian National University.