Understanding the Climate–Water–Energy–Food Nexus and the Transition Towards a Circular Economy: The Case of Morocco

Abstract

The world is currently marked by increasing pressure on natural resources and a big demand for energy, water, and food. Energy, Water, and food are strongly interlinked, and the choices made in one area often have consequences on the others. These interconnections intensify and will be more complex as the demand for resources increases with climate change, population growth, changing consumption patterns, and a linear economy model of ‘take-make-dispose’. however, a circular economy (CE) ensures that economic growth must not necessarily lead to more resource consumption. This paper aims to discuss the circular economy transition with a focus on understanding the interdependencies and complexities of system Climate-Water, Energy, and food security in Morocco. This work first outlines the problem of water resources management in Morocco and determined the areas of intersection between the food-energy-water sectors. It also attempts to explain why water circularity is part of the key factors to accelerate the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, and how circularity can be implemented in the water sector. Finally, it studies two circular alternative solutions (water-saving - drip irrigation, and renewable energy) that Morocco uses to face climate change-induced water scarcity.