Modeling water resilience in Europe: Climate impacts on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem nexus and agriculture
Climate change is altering water stress patterns in Europe, with the Mediterranean facing increased demand-supply gaps and reliance on alternative water sources and (non-renewable) groundwater. Stress factors are changing, impacting crop yields differently. The European Union is facing significant challenges in ensuring water resilience, particularly in the agricultural sector, which is a major consumer of water. This report provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the findings and implications of the GoNEXUS modelling efforts, contributing to informed decision-making and policy development in the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus. Our analysis highlights the need for tailored water-saving measures and climate-resilient practices. The study uses a comprehensive suite of models, including the LISFLOOD-EPIC water resource and crop model, to simulate the effects of different climate and policy scenarios on the WEFE nexus. The results provide valuable insights into the benefits and trade-offs of various policy solutions and interventions, and offer a framework for assessing the impacts of climate change on water resources and agricultural productivity. This will help policymakers develop effective solutions for European agriculture, promoting sustainable water management and addressing the complex interlinkages between water, energy, and food. By adopting a NEXUS approach, the EU can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a resilient and sustainable food system.
BISSELINK Bernard;
TRICHAKIS Ioannis;
PISTOCCHI Alberto;
QUARANTA Emanuele;
MOSCHINI Francesca;
2026-02-26
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC142800
978-92-68-36578-6 (online),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 40621,
OP KJ-01-26-045-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC142800,
10.2760/0011766 (online),
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