Launched in 2021, the COST Action Network on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus for a Low-Carbon Economy in Europe and Beyond (NexusNet, CA20138) set out to build a transdisciplinary platform to better understand and operationalize the Nexus approach across Europe and internationally.
The Action’s overarching aim has been to synthesize empirical knowledge, foster integrated resource management, and provide intellectual and methodological tools that link scientiÞc evidence with governance and policymaking for sustainability. By doing so, the NexusNet has sought to support the transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy,
strengthen resilience to global challenges, and advance coherence across water, energy, food, and ecosystem domains.
Over its four years of implementation, the NexusNet has established itself as a dynamic hub of collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through its working groups, geographical focus groups, training schools, mentoring programs, and diverse funding opportunities, it enabled cross-sectoral learning and created opportunities for early career researchers to engage with senior experts. A rich portfolio of case studies and methodological developments has been generated, alongside scientiÞc publications, policy briefs, and living documents that illustrate the complexity of the Nexus interlinkages while providing actionable guidance. Collectively, these achievements demonstrate how the Action has contributed to bridging science, policy, and practice.
The International Conference “Water-Energy-Food Nexus for a LowCarbon Economy in Europe & Beyond: Building Resilience to Global Challenges”, held in Brussels on 4 June 2025 as an EU Green Week Partner Event, represents the culmination of this journey. The Conference aimed at highlighting the breadth of research and applications that emerged through the NexusNet and at gathering scientists, policymakers, practitioners, innovators, and early career researchers in a dialogue that not only reflected on the NexusNet’s results but also set the stage for future collaboration and the advancement of the Nexus approach.
Book of Abstracts: Building Resilience to Global Challenges ii
This publication contains the abstracts of a wide array of contributions presented during the Brussels Conference. The book is organized into 5 chapters, each covering aspects of the following thematic tracks:
Methodological foundations of WEF Nexus
Governance, policy and institutional challenges
Data, tools, and modelling for Nexus analysis
Economic and Þnancial perspectives
Environmental protection management
Social dimensions and equity
Sustainable waste management
WEF Nexus and climate crisis
Climate-neutral transition of systems and social innovation
Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus planning under extreme events
Urban resilience and circular economy
Renewable and clean energy solutions
Addressing important developments, achievements, and best practices in the Nexus approach, this book serves as a testimony that integrated, systems-based thinking has evolved from being merely a useful option to becoming an indispensable necessity for safeguarding a more resilient future for the planet.
With deep appreciation for the authors, reviewers, committees, and all participants who have made this possible, we emphasize that the success of NexusNet lies not only in the knowledge produced but also in the vibrant community it has created. We trust that this publication will inspire continued innovation and dialogue, strengthening the application of the
Nexus approach to address the pressing sustainability challenges of our time.
December 2025
Chrysi Laspidou
Floor Brouwer
Giannis Adamos
