Optimizing Water-Energy-Carbon Nexus in Cities for Low Carbon Development

Abstract

Cities are the major consumer of water and energy, among other mate-rials or resources. Carbon footprints of cities, especially in developing countries, are much higher compared to peri-urban and rural regions, with large contribution to national emissions. In the changing environment driven by increasing urbaniza-tion, with climate change and technological advancements, cities need to plan holistic as well as sectoral strategies to reduce emissions. Water and energy are two important sectors, which are often addressed as if they were separate from each other. While there is growing evidences and knowledge of their inherent interrela-tions, there are plenty of opportunities, which, if explored properly, can optimize water, energy, carbon footprints and contribute in low carbon development of cities while safeguarding future water and energy availability.