Ancient WEF: Water–Energy–Food Nexus in the Distant Past

The concept of water–energy–food (WEF) nexus is gaining favor as a means to highlight the functions three individual elements interrelated components single complex system. In practice, approach projects forward from present, seeking maximize future WEF synergies and avoid undesirable tradeoffs. A complementary was employed here gain insights into how ancients dealt with relationships, whether currently relevant principles were practiced long ago, past dynamics compare those today. Two examples, both dating before common era (BCE), are considered in detail. qanats ancient Persia brought groundwater surface directed it clusters agricultural fields arid areas where crop production not otherwise feasible. contrast, Dujiangyan irrigation scheme China harnessed previously destructive water flows stabilize food across vast plain. Designed constructed under highly uncertain conditions long-term perspective, relied on local resources expertise exploit tight coupling intrinsic energy its produce food. Ingenious infrastructure combined sound governance allowed achieve remarkable among minimal apparent Although now challenged by climate change increasing complexity modern qanat systems have survived for millennia still exist recognizable form. This due large part persistence that devolved significant decision-making authority who used production. feasible roll back technology an earlier time, successful attributes warrant more attention future.