Carbon-Energy-Water Nexus in Global Energy Transition

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change poses a threat to human well-being. Globally, energy production and consumption are estimated to account for more than two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions. In aid of reducing the impact of climate change, the global energy system is undergoing a significant transition from a fossil fuel- to a green energy-based system. However, increased water and energy consumption may coincide with renewable energy development and carbon mitigation efforts. With global population growth and intensifying urban sprawl continuing to stretch the demand for energy and water resources, supplying affordable, secure, and sustainable water and energy resources is as integral to human survival as carbon mitigation. The carbon–energy–water (CEW) nexus is an interdisciplinary framework within which we can better understand the synergies and trade-offs between promoting carbon mitigation and alleviating potential water and energy security crises. We must consider the CEW nexus when formulating, at the global level, policies and strategies to promote sustainable energy transition.

This topic addresses the broader research field of the CEW nexus in global climate change mitigation efforts, with a particular focus on its role in the global energy transition. Papers of both a theoretical and an applicative nature are welcome.

Research topics may include, but should not be limited to, the following:

• CEW nexus framework and modeling;
• Global carbon mitigation efforts;
• Renewable energy transition;
• CCUS;
• Land use and land cover change;
• Remote sensing and GIS applications;
• Energy securities;
• Water securities;
• Energy storage technologies;
• Cleaner energy production methods;
• Life-cycle assessment on the CEW nexus;
• Environmental impacts of energy transition;
• Policies regarding the CEW nexus and global energy transition.

Prof. Dr. Michael Zhengmeng Hou
Dr. Faisal Mehmood
Dr. Yachen Xie
Topic Editors