Resource security - War in Ukraine (water-food-energy nexus) Flashcards
(19 cards)
When was Ukraine invaded?
24 February 2022
What role does Russia play in global energy availability (2022)?
One of the world’s largest oil exporters
How much of Europe’s natural gas did Russia supply in 2022?
40%
How reliant was Europe on Russia’s energy supply?
Europe overall relied on Russia for one-third of its energy supply.
Which country was the largest consumer of Russian gas? How did they respond?
Germany - they accelerated renewable energy plans and targeted 100% renewables by 2035
What was the consequence of the invasion on global food prices?
30% increase in global food prices, indirectly showing broader dependence
Food prices hit a 60-year high.
How did energy pathways change after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022?
Pipeline gas from Russia to Europe (e.g., Nord Stream) replaced by:
- Increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the US and Qatar.
- Green hydrogen projects (e.g., Australia to Europe).
- Coal and renewable sources (wind and solar) gaining importance as backups.
- Use of shipping routes for redirected Russian oil, mostly on Western-owned vessels.
What was India’s response to the disruption? (2022)
India restricted sugar and wheat exports.
What was Malaysia’s response to the disruption? (2022)
Malaysia halted exports of live chickens.
How much did global hunger rise due to the conflict?
Conflict increased global hunger from 7.6 million to 13.1 million people
How did the conflict imapct Ukraine’s export of food?
20 million tonnes of grain were stuck in Ukraine
How many people were at risk of food crisis in 2022 due to the conflict?
181 million at risk of food crisis
How many people relied on Ukrainian exports?
400M people
Why were the Ukrainian wheat exports stuck?
Wheat from Ukraine has been held up by Russian blockades of the Black Sea coast
What was the Black Sea Grain Initiative?
On 22 July 2022 - Russia and Ukraine signed a deal to allow grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports, mediated by the UN and Turkey’s President Erdogan
How is energy security interrelated with food and water security?
Water-intensive agriculture becomes more expensive when energy costs rise.
What was the impact of the geopolitical tension on the energy mix?
Push toward renewable energy for independence
Temporary return of coal
Is energy security the most important geopolitical issue in the food-water-energy nexus?
Yes, because energy affects food production, transport, and water supply systems.
The Ukraine conflict shows that energy instability triggers food crises, economic strain, and geopolitical realignment.
