Current and Future State of the Gulf of Mexico's Food, Energy, and Water Nexus
Abstract
Food, Energy, and Water (FEW) components are interconnected along the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) in the U.S. FEW nexus, i.e., the exchange and interrelation between these components, is mainly studied inland despite the fact that coastal communities are major producers and consumers of FEW. Gulf States are among the wettest regions that contribute to the agriculture sector whereas oil extraction, refinery infrastructure, and other forms of fossil fuels are crucial components of the energy sector. Here, we quantify the main components of FEW nexus within coastal systems, both on and off land and highlight how different parts of the system interact with each other. Special focus is given to water consumption and usage by food and energy as well as production and consumption of agricultural goods, fossil fuels, and non-fossil fuel based forms of electricity generation. With the GOM being the fastest growing region in the U.S., future population models are also mapped on the county level which can provide insight into future resource demand. Sea level rise is also a threat to FEW nexus; the GOM is expected to experience 0.3-0.6 m of sea level rise by 2050 with Louisiana facing the highest rate. It is accelerating at an increasing rate and will lead to the submergence of land along the GOM that houses industries as well as valuable ecosystems. Quantifying current FEW connections enables research into how changes like population or sea level rise will impact the nexus and coastal communities. It also provides guidance for public policy development to combat these changes, enables analysis of existing policies, and aids in identifying areas that lack policy. It is important to understand the current state of FEW nexus along the GOM in order to understand and protect its future.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2022
- Bibcode:
- 2022AGUFM.H32L..01L