The future of food – connecting water, energy and sustainability

Food production lies at the heart of some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Agriculture depends heavily on water and energy, while at the same time contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Understanding these interconnections is essential for developing sustainable solutions for the future.

In this engaging lecture, researchers from the RePLANeT Research Group at Mälardalen University will explore the concept of the Water-Food-Energy Nexus and examine how food production systems can become more resilient, resource-efficient, and climate-smart. Participants will gain insights into the current challenges facing agriculture and food systems, including increasing demands on water, land, and energy resources.

The lecture will present innovative approaches to sustainable food production, including the circular use of water and nutrients, the recovery of resources from wastewater, and advances in controlled-environment agriculture. It will also introduce agrivoltaics, an emerging approach that combines food production and solar energy generation on the same land, offering new opportunities to address climate change while improving land-use efficiency.

Looking ahead, the discussion will explore how future cities and food production systems may evolve through circular resource flows, technological innovation, and sustainable planning. The session will highlight both the opportunities and challenges involved in creating food systems that operate within planetary boundaries while ensuring long-term food security. 

This event is organized by a district. Read more about the districts here.