The Nexus Among Energy, Water and Climate Change in the Island of Crete, Greece

Water and energy consist of essential resources necessary for the prosperity of modern societies. Both of them affect and are affected by climate change. The island of Crete, Greece is located in eastern Mediterranean region which is adversely affected by climate change. The island faces water shortages which are exacerbated by climate change. The interrelation between water, energy and climate change in Crete has been investigated. The water-energy nexus, the water-climate change nexus and the energy-climate change nexus have been studied. Water management in Crete requires large quantities of energy while climate change has undesired impacts on its availability. Energy generation in Crete is currently based mainly on fossil fuels while the island has abundant solar and wind energy resources which should replace fossil fuels in the future. Our results, although qualitative, indicate that water, energy and climate change in Crete are interlinked and interdependent. The sustainable management of the water resources and the energy system in Crete and the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change should take into account these interrelations for improving the long-term efficiency of these basic resources. Our results could be useful to local authorities, to policy makers and to local residents who depend on these resources.