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 use the website MoocNotes to collate notes on the short youtube clips. Follow the instructions below to learn how to sign in and use video notes.


  • Click on the website -MoocNotes - or search for MoocNotes

  • Sign in using your school account using the 'signup' button found on the right-hand side of the page.

  • Add in the extension for MoocNotes in the Google Chrome Web Store.

  • Copy and paste the URL for one of the youtube clips below into the Omnibox (search bar). Click on the YouTube clip and it gives you an orange and black plus sign below it. Click on that. It will ask you to give the YouTube clip a title, make sure that it is sensible,e.g. Resources - Food Security.

  • The YouTube clip will now be in your MoocNotes account.

  • Click on the video in MoocNotes.

  • As the video clip plays - type your notes in the box below the video and press save each time - the disc symbol to the right of the notes box.

  • Each time you save your notes it will time stamp them to the section of the video where it is discussed.

Useful Resources

US Aid - Food Security

Water Security

Energy Security

Activity Two - Comprehension - Politics

The concept of the nexus is something that is being raised throughout politics, but should it be a political issue?


  1. Now read the article in the 'Useful Resource' box and suggest why the nexus is a political issue.

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.

Taken From: http://www.geographypods.com/ib-sample-lesson-2017.html

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]