By 2050, the world population is predicted to grow from seven billion in 2010 to 9.1 billion, and the world economy is predicted to grow at an average of over 3% per annum, in the period 2014-2050; doubling in size by 2037 and nearly tripling by 2050. A growing population and expanding global economy means that we are likely to experience greater competition for key resources, including water, energy and food, as well as increasing pressure on the environment. By 2050, water, energy and food demands are projected to increase by 55%, 80% and 70% respectively over current levels.
The convergence of these challenges is termed as the water-energy-food nexus. It will be necessary for all of these to be addressed together, rather than as separate focuses. Land and water are needed for food production; energy is needed for water supply and management, and also in agriculture for food processing.
A growing number of organizations are addressing this issue, including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Your editor has attended Nexus sessions at AIChE meetings where the concept has been introduced in detail and a number of case studies presented.
It might be timely for the IOA to start addressing this issue, or at least becoming aware of it. We are active in all areas of the nexus; water treatment; energy conservation in our processes; agri-food processes utilizing ozone. Addressing these as a nexus would help us focus on processes creating the least impact on the environment and might even lead to some process efficiencies. One thing I have taken out of the sessions I have attended is that this is not a simple problem to solve, but engineers are starting to make progress.
I would encourage IOA members to think about this issue and see if they can contribute in some way, for example, presenting papers at regional and World Congresses on how ozone can play an important part in addressing the nexus.
On another (and related topic), the next IOA regional conference is just around the corner on August 28-31 in Las Vegas, NV. The organizers have developed a comprehensive technical and social program and this should be a memorable conference for all who attend. Perhaps, discussions on the nexus approach can begin. For more information on this conference, visit www.ioa-pag.org.
Barry L. Loeb
Editor-in-Chief
2016
August 28-31, 2016, Pan American Group Annual Conference & Exposition, South Point Casino, Spa and Hotel, Las Vegas, NV. For more information: visit www.ioa-pag.org.
Fall, 2016, IOA-EA3G Workshop, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, UK. Note: Dates are tentative. For updated information check the recent issue of Ozone News or visit www.ioa-ea3g.org
2017
August 13-17, 2017, IOA 23nd World Congress, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Washington, DC (National Harbor, MD)
For more information: visit www.ioa-pag.org.