001 - Nexus
Thinking
Geographic Knowledge and Understanding
The water–food–energy “nexus”
“Security” in terms of water, food and energy
Key Concepts
Nexus thinking creates the possibility to explore issues on a global scale. The process in which resources are allocated can influence the power a nation has on the global arena. The nexus needs to view human needs at various scales to become an inclusive process.
Aims
To be able to summarize the water-food-energy nexus approach.
To be able to describe and explain water security, food security and energy security.
Key Terminology
Nexus
Define the term above by using the 'Useful Link' below.
Useful Link
Activity One - Read and Watch
Before we look at how interrelated the different elements of the nexus are we need to understand why being resource secure is such an important issue. We are going to watch the three YouTube clips below and I would like you to make notes on why each country needs to have the three resources of food, water and energy.
Useful Resources
Activity Two - Comprehension - Politics
The concept of the nexus is something that is being raised throughout politics, but should it be a political issue?
Now read the article in the 'Useful Resource' box and suggest why the nexus is a political issue.
Useful Resource
The Guardian - Food, water, energy, politics nexus - this is old but puts the concept into a political context.
Activity Three - Cut and Stick
We are now going to work on the nexus by completing a cut and stick exercise. We are initially going to watch the clip in the 'Useful Resources' box to find out how to do the activity. Then in case you forget how to do it the instructions stage by stage are below. Thank you www.geographypods.com for this lesson and to www.geographyalltheway.com for the Swiss alterations.
Stage One - Watch
Watch the clip in the 'Useful Resources' box to find out what the activity is and how it is going to work.
The group will be divided into teams of approximately four people.
Collect a pair of scissors each and three glue sticks per group.
Collect a piece of flip chart paper.
Stage Two - Sort
Collect the first set of cards - the 'Traditional' views.
Cut them out.
Sort them into groups of your choice. They could be food, water, energy, climate change etc.
As a whole class we will discuss your grouping choices.
Spread your group choices out and see where they can link by tessellating them.
Stage Three - The Nexus
Collect the second set of cards.
Either add these cards to those you have already sorted or you can start again.
Spread your group choices out and see where they can link by tessellating them.
Stage Four - Sustainable Development Goals
Now add the SDGs to your choices. Do any of them fit or link to your groups?
Stage Five - Stick
Stick your hexagons on to your flip chart paper.
Image Three - Students at work taken by Ellena Mart
Exam Style Question
Explain two reasons why the food-water-energy nexus is important. [2+2]