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Decentralized renewable energies and the water-energy-food nexus in rural Morocco
Abstract by Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir
Coauthors: Ellen Hernandez , Kerstin Opfer
On Session VII-20  (Environment, Climate Change, and Urban Planning)

On Saturday, December 3 at 8:30 am

2022 Annual Meeting

Abstract
In a time of unprecedented and interlinked challenges–mitigating climate change, building resiliency to its impacts, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring human well-being, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that climate change has led to widespread shrinking of the cryosphere. The dangers of climate change have been known since the 1980s, but a lack of societal awareness and political and economic investment has inhibited the necessary vigorous change. We are now at a crucial moment where, with every degree, a cascade of tipping points and a “hothouse Earth'' will become more probable. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted socio-economic systems and threatens the development gains of the past decades. Thus, it is imperative to undertake dynamic initiatives to promote effective partnerships and address interdependencies around climate mitigation, systems adaptation, healthy ecosystems, and community well-being, including sustainable water-energy-food (WEF) management. Sustainable development and human well-being require us to protect WEF resources. The WEF Nexus can help build mutually-beneficial partnerships, reduce trade-offs between sectors, and allow better coordination and informed decision-making. A pilot project in Morocco's Youssoufia Province demonstrates the benefits of decentralized renewable energy initiatives in developing nations
Discipline
Sociology
Geographic Area
Morocco
Sub Area
Energy Studies