What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore the interactions within the Water–Energy–Food nexus in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

February 26, 2026WaterOpen Access

Divergent Trajectories of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

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Analysis reveals divergent trends in the Water–Energy–Food nexus in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, suggesting new challenges for sustainability.

This research aims to explore the interactions within the Water–Energy–Food nexus in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
Utilized an integrated framework for relationship identification, equation construction, and scenario prediction.
Employed Granger causality test and SHAP interpretability model to analyze causal strength among nexus elements.
Implemented Bayesian Vector Autoregression combined with RNN and System Dynamics models for simulation.
Projected spatiotemporal evolution of the nexus from 2024 to 2035.
Nexus mechanisms showed significant spatial duality, with different drivers for water and energy across regions.
Upstream egg production led to a high virtual water footprint; inland seafood consumption increased energy demands.
Projected rising ecological water demand in the midstream by over 130% from 2024 to 2035.
Anhui's milk production forecasted to increase from 107.77 to 225.7 million tons.

Li et al. (2026) studied this question.

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Analysis reveals divergent trends in the Water–Energy–Food nexus in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, suggesting new challenges for sustainability.