earth
water
energy

Quick Facts

With increasing temperatures, water resources will become scarcer

48% of water used in the US is for thermoelectric purposes

Energy demand is increasing

 

Climate-Water-Energy Nexus

 

Water resources, particularly in the United States, are largely consumed by the energy sector.  Whether water is used in hydroelectric power production or in thermoelectric processes, the consumption of the resource is gaining attention as concern grows over its replenishment. 

While water resources are becoming scarcer due to consumption, climate change has the potential to exacerbate the problem in certain geographical regions as the hydrologic cycle is altered. 

What does this mean for the future of water and therefore the future of energy?  This investigation seeks to identify the relationships between climate, water, and energy in order to better understand their interactions and dependencies.