Making Water the Business of Cities: Approaching Urban Water Governance Through the WEF Nexus

Introduction The evolution of cities will impact efforts to address climate change and ensure resource security, with policy, market, and human behaviour factors converging to determine outcomes in urban areas. Currently, 56 percent [1] of the global population reside in cities, a proportion that is expected to grow to 68 percent [2] by 2050, with 90 percent [3] of this growth concentrated in Asia and Africa. Despite occupying only 3 percent [4] of the world’s land, cities consume approximately 75 percent [5] of global electricity and contribute 70 percent [6] of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. India is anticipating an additional 416 million urban residents by 2050— [7] the largest projected increase worldwide. This urban surge will double the country’s building space, with 70 percent [8] of new constructions located in urban areas. The growing population and economic activity in Indian cities is straining freshwater supplies, sewage systems, and land use. Resource demands and capital converge in cities and highlight water, energy, and food (WEF) issues. Cities are also vulnerable due to their high population densities and critical infrastructures. The central role of cities in resource networks can create cascading security risks, as seen in the growing water, energy, and food security crises in Indian cities. By 2030, [9] global demand for food, water, and energy are projected to increase by 35 percent, 50 percent, and 40 percent, respectively, compared to 2012. Uncertainties in water availability, energy security, and food price stability also impact political and economic stability, which is essential for maintaining infrastructure and resource distribution systems.