Initial Publication Date: May 1, 2023

Venkat Sridhar

Associate Professor, Virginia Tech

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About Me

I am a hydrologist. I conduct modeling research to understand the impact of climate change on hydrology and water resources, water management, drought and flood modeling with an overall theme of systems modeling of food-energy-water nexus for large river basins.

Focus of current FEW-Nexus-based education work

The Mekong river basin is a transboundary basin flowing through six countries in Southeast Asia, and it has undergone significant human-induced changes in recent years. The construction of hydropower dams, expansion of irrigation, and increasing urbanization have all had a profound impact on the food-energy-water nexus in the basin. In response to these challenges, researchers and policymakers have turned to the principles of the FEW-Nexus to explore the complex interrelationships between food, energy, and water in the basin.

To address these challenges, the FEW-Nexus-based education provides a comprehensive framework that can be used to develop innovative and effective solutions. As someone who has worked in the Mekong river basin, I am passionate about bringing these research issues into the classroom. By teaching about the challenges faced by the basin and the innovative solutions being developed, I hope to inspire the next generation of students to become engaged in international river basin management issues.

The Mekong river basin is just one example of a transboundary basin facing significant challenges related to the FEW-Nexus. By teaching about the principles of the FEW-Nexus and the challenges facing river basin management, students can develop a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of the world's resources and the need for sustainable development. This is a critical area of study, and one that I believe will only become more important in the years to come.

FEW-Nexus-based education experience, expertise and interests

Through my work, I have developed expertise in system dynamics modeling, which is a powerful tool for exploring the complex interrelationships between different sectors and identifying leverage points for improving sustainability. I am also familiar with the political and social factors that can influence the development of policies and interventions aimed at improving the sustainability of the FEW-Nexus.

To execute this work, I would need to collaborate with researchers and educators from a range of disciplines, including hydrology, agriculture, economics, and policy. This interdisciplinary approach is critical for developing a comprehensive understanding of the FEW-Nexus and identifying effective strategies for addressing the challenges facing it. In addition, collaboration with stakeholders such as policymakers, local communities, and NGOs will be necessary to ensure that the research is relevant and impactful.

One potential area of focus for case-based education research examples could be the impact of climate change on the food-energy-water nexus in different regions. Climate change is expected to have significant impacts on water availability, agricultural production, and energy demand, and understanding these impacts will be critical for developing effective strategies for adaptation and mitigation. By comparing and contrasting the experiences of different regions, we can develop a broader understanding of the challenges facing the FEW-Nexus in the context of climate change and identify best practices for addressing them.

Publications, presentations, and other references

  • Kang, H., V. Sridhar (2022). Climate change impacts on flash droughts in the Mekong River Basin, Science of the Total Environment, 838, Part 2, 155845, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155845
  • Sridhar, V., S. A. Ali, D. J. Sample (2021). Systems analysis of coupled natural and human processes in the Mekong River Basin, Hydrology, 8, 140, doi: 10.3390/ hydrology8030140.
  • Kang, H., V. Sridhar, M. Mainuddin, L.D. Trung (2021). Future rice farming threatened by drought in the Lower Mekong Basin, Nature Scientific Reports, 11:9383, doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-88405-2.
  • Ali, S.A., V. Sridhar (2019). Deriving the dam characteristics from remote sensing to assess the cascading effect of dams in the Mekong River Basin, Remote Sensing, 11, 2872; doi:10.3390/rs11232872.
  • Sridhar, V., H. Kang, *S.A. Ali (2019). Human-induced alterations to land use and climate and their responses on hydrology and water management in the Mekong River basin, Water, 11, 1307, doi:10.3390/w11061307