I once stood in the African savanna, watching a rhino in the distance, its massive frame unshaken, its presence undeniable. You cannot ignore a rhino. It commands attention, demands space.
Much like climate change. The world sees it. We talk about it. We debate solutions, set targets and negotiate policies in global summits. But what if, hidden behind the great rhino, lurked an even more elusive force, one that determines the fate of our battle against climate change?
That hidden force is the energy-water-food nexus, an intricate web of interdependence, rarely given the same limelight. Yet, it is the linchpin of sustainability. Energy drives water systems, water is essential for food production, food security is tied to energy availability.
Policy discussions often compartmentalise climate action, treating energy, water and food security as separate challenges. The result is solutions that tackle symptoms rather than systemic vulnerabilities. Many net-zero strategies focus on the energy transition without fully considering water stress or food production constraints. The impact of this imbalance is already visible. Take desalination, for example. In Oman and across the Gulf, desalination plants provide a critical lifeline in water-scarce regions. Yet, the industry emits over 76 million metric tonnes of CO₂ per year and consumes 10 to 15 times more energy than conventional freshwater treatment. Meanwhile, rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are putting pressure on water supplies needed for agriculture. The latest reports warn that climate change could shrink global crop yields by up to 25 per cent by 2050. In many parts of the world, communities are experiencing food shortages not because there is no food but because the systems supporting its production and transportation are failing.
In Oman, the need to address this hidden nexus is particularly urgent. With majority of its food imported, any disruption in global markets has immediate consequences. Rising fuel costs affect the price of every shipment. Water scarcity limits local agricultural potential. At the same time, Oman has made significant strides in developing alternative food systems, particularly in aquaculture, the fastest-growing food sector globally. Fish farming presents an opportunity to improve food security while reducing reliance on imports, but it comes with its own challenges. Hatcheries and production facilities require vast amounts of energy. Cold storage and transport demand reliable infrastructure. If not carefully managed, aquaculture can strain freshwater supplies and contribute to environmental degradation. The solution lies in integrating more efficient water and energy practices, such as recirculating aquaculture systems that reduce freshwater dependency and optimise energy use. These innovations could strengthen Oman’s food security while keeping resource consumption in check.
This is where strategy must evolve. Climate policies cannot be designed in isolation. When countries pledge to reduce emissions, they must also account for how energy choices will affect water supplies and food security. Addressing the nexus requires a shift in mindset, one that recognises the interwoven nature of energy, water and food security. In Oman, this means integrating climate adaptation plans with long-term economic and infrastructure strategies, ensuring that resilience is built into the country’s sustainability efforts rather than treated as an afterthought.
The great rhino of climate change remains at the forefront and it should. But we should pay attention to what is lurking behind it. The energy-water-food nexus is not a separate challenge; it is the very foundation on which climate resilience will be built. If we fail to recognise it, we will continue solving one crisis while quietly fueling another. The question is, how long can we afford to ignore what is shaping the ground beneath our feet?
The writer is environmental strategist and advocate for sustainable development.
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