Catalyzing sustainable development goals through the water-energy-food nexus.

Water, energy, and food (WEF) are central to sustainable development as they are vital for socio-ecological and socio-economic sustainability and human and environmental wellbeing. How the three are used and managed is central to either the aggravation of climate change or the enhancement of resilience and adaptation strategies. This mixed transdisciplinary study developed a WEF nexus-based framework to guide strategic policy decisions to catalyze progress toward achieving sustainable development goals. The aim is to guide the cross-sectoral management of resources for sustainable development under climate change, increasing demand, depletion, degradation, and uncertainty. Past and present data on resource management was assessed to comprehend future availability toward achieving sustainable development outcomes for people and the planet. The fundamentals of holistic WEF resources management were assessed, highlighting the significance of transformative, cross-sectoral, and circular approaches in enhancing resource use efficiency and sustainability. This is critical for informing sustainable natural resources management decisions.