An inclusive approach for integrated systems: Incorporation of climate in the water-food-energy-land nexus index

Land and water resources are largely used for food production during agricultural activities. Some farm operations are energy intensive and climate is also affected due to the use of fossil energy during the farm operations. Thus, the nexus assessment without considering climate as an indicator may not provide a holistic outlook toward a secure, efficient, and sustainable use of resources. Therefore, this study aimed to incorporate climate as an indicator in the already existing water-food-energy-land nexus methodology. To implement the water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index, the wheat crop production system in Punjab, Pakistan was taken as a case study. Twelve different indicators were normalized and then aggregated to assess the value of the water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index. Higher the value represents better the sustainable production of crops and land suitability. The value of the water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index varied from 0.34 to 0.78 across Punjab indicating a wide range of sustainable wheat crop production and land suitability for wheat cultivation. The northwest region was showing a lower water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index value as compared to the south. The south and central Punjab areas are more suitable for the wheat crop as compared to the north or west. The water-food-energy-land-climate nexus index could also be used as a comprehensive tool to evaluate the performance of other crops as well. It can also help in formulating an inclusive policy for sustainable development goals — such as SDG 2 (elevate food security), 6 (enhance water security), 12 (responsible consumption and production), and 13 (climate action).