68
(d) Reversibility, emphasizing the avoidance of overcommitment of variable
levels of available water to preserve adaptability and avoid stranding capital
in light of an uncertain future.
When one or more of these attributes are lacking for FEW systems, it is appropriate to speak of food, energy, and water insecurity. There are, however, gradations of
insecurity. Many experience chronic insecurity of one or more of the three commodities, even as much of humanity is relatively secure in one, two, or all three
commodities at the moment. All of humanity is threatened with FEW insecurities on
long timescales due to sustainability problems. The differences and distinctions are
consequential.
1. Chronic insecurity exists when one or more of the attributes are persistently lacking. Examples include the following:
(a) Natural resources or ecosystem services for food, energy, and water are
insufficient.
(b) Absent or degraded infrastructure prevents sufficient resources from reaching a community.
(c) Systemic, long-term poverty, and other forms of social exclusion severely
limit access.
(d) Political and governance systems are structured in a manner that prevents
addressing solutions.
(e) People lack the equipment or knowledge to utilize a resource effectively.
2. Periodic/Seasonal insecurity exists when a repeating cycle in conditions exists,
which causes insecurity. This type of insecurity is, to some degree, predictable.
Examples include the following:
(a) Agricultural practices or crops result in insufficient food at certain times of
the year.
(b) Seasonal weather patterns like monsoons disrupt access to clean water.
(c) Seasonal employment leads to regular periods of economic hardship.
3. Temporary/Emergency insecurity exists when a triggering event causes shortterm and temporary insecurity. Examples include the following:
(a) Loss of electricity for much of the population of Puerto Rico following
Hurricane Maria in September 2017.
(b) Disruptions in food imports to Yemen due to civil conflict that began in
2015.
(c) Loss of drinking water supplies in the city of Flint, Michigan (USA) because
of lead contamination (2015) (see Sect. 18.4).
Appropriate solutions to insecurity depend on the context. Emergency aid
can provide temporary assistance to large populations in a crisis. However, many
populations experience chronic insecurity. This can be rooted in poverty, disability,
discrimination, a number of other issues. “Safety net” programs often exist to
P. Saundry and B. L. Ruddell
(d) Reversibility, emphasizing the avoidance of overcommitment of variable
levels of available water to preserve adaptability and avoid stranding capital
in light of an uncertain future.
When one or more of these attributes are lacking for FEW systems, it is appropriate to speak of food, energy, and water insecurity. There are, however, gradations of
insecurity. Many experience chronic insecurity of one or more of the three commodities, even as much of humanity is relatively secure in one, two, or all three
commodities at the moment. All of humanity is threatened with FEW insecurities on
long timescales due to sustainability problems. The differences and distinctions are
consequential.
1. Chronic insecurity exists when one or more of the attributes are persistently lacking. Examples include the following:
(a) Natural resources or ecosystem services for food, energy, and water are
insufficient.
(b) Absent or degraded infrastructure prevents sufficient resources from reaching a community.
(c) Systemic, long-term poverty, and other forms of social exclusion severely
limit access.
(d) Political and governance systems are structured in a manner that prevents
addressing solutions.
(e) People lack the equipment or knowledge to utilize a resource effectively.
2. Periodic/Seasonal insecurity exists when a repeating cycle in conditions exists,
which causes insecurity. This type of insecurity is, to some degree, predictable.
Examples include the following:
(a) Agricultural practices or crops result in insufficient food at certain times of
the year.
(b) Seasonal weather patterns like monsoons disrupt access to clean water.
(c) Seasonal employment leads to regular periods of economic hardship.
3. Temporary/Emergency insecurity exists when a triggering event causes shortterm and temporary insecurity. Examples include the following:
(a) Loss of electricity for much of the population of Puerto Rico following
Hurricane Maria in September 2017.
(b) Disruptions in food imports to Yemen due to civil conflict that began in
2015.
(c) Loss of drinking water supplies in the city of Flint, Michigan (USA) because
of lead contamination (2015) (see Sect. 18.4).
Appropriate solutions to insecurity depend on the context. Emergency aid
can provide temporary assistance to large populations in a crisis. However, many
populations experience chronic insecurity. This can be rooted in poverty, disability,
discrimination, a number of other issues. “Safety net” programs often exist to
P. Saundry and B. L. Ruddell