Insights into Sustainability: Exploring Undergraduates' Understanding of Food Energy Water Nexus Connections to Climate Change

Authors

Amanda D. Manzanares, University of Northern ColoradoFollow
Lydia R. Horne, University of Maine
Emily A. Royse, Royse Education Studio
Caterina Azzarello, University of Northern ColoradoFollow
Meghann E. Jarchow, University of South Dakota
Daniel L. Druckenbrod, Rider University
Nicholas L. Babin, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Nurcan Atalan-Helicke, Skidmore College
Shirley Vincent, Vincent Evaluation Consulting
Steven W. Anderson, University of Northern Colorado
Chelsie Romulo, University of Northern ColoradoFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Purpose

Interdisciplinary environmental and sustainability programs integrate a diverse curriculum that exposes students to the interconnectedness of environmental systems, such as climate change and the Food-Energy-Water Nexus and fosters a holistic understanding of sustainability. However, students’ prior knowledge, alternative conceptions and knowledge gaps can impact student learning. Therefore, the purpose of this study aims to: 1) uncover how students’ knowledge about the relationships between food, energy and water systems relate to their understanding about climate change and 2) reveal what concepts students focus on and potential gaps and/or alternative conceptions in their knowledge. Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 115 students at ten US institutions offering a Bachelor of Science or Arts in environmental disciplines. The authors recruited universities to participate in our study from existing professional connections and through the Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences listserv. Findings

The authors’ research uncovered three main themes that are the focus of student knowledge: 1) How the FEW Nexus causes climate change. 2) How climate change impacts the FEW Nexus and 3) Connecting causes and impacts: students’ understanding of feedback loops. Originality/value

The authors’ research focuses on the original contribution of illuminating the breadth of students’ knowledge regarding the FEW Nexus and its implications for climate change. The authors’ study aims to enhance instructors’ awareness of students’ alternative conceptions and knowledge gaps. For it is imperative that instructors address these issues as both can limit comprehension and systems thinking.

Cross-Department Submission

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, EAS Faculty Work, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Geography GIS and Sustainability, GGS Faculty Work

Comments

This is an author accepted manuscript of a journal article published in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education:

Manzanares AD, Horne LR, Royse EA, Azzarello CB, Jarchow ME, Druckenbrod DL, Babin NL, Atalan-Helicke N, Vincent S, Anderson SW, Romulo CL (2026). Insights into sustainability: exploring undergraduates’ understanding of food-energy-water nexus connections to climate change. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-06-2024-0379

Recommended Citation

Manzanares, Amanda D.; Horne, Lydia R.; Royse, Emily A.; Azzarello, Caterina; Jarchow, Meghann E.; Druckenbrod, Daniel L.; Babin, Nicholas L.; Atalan-Helicke, Nurcan; Vincent, Shirley; Anderson, Steven W.; and Romulo, Chelsie, "Insights into Sustainability: Exploring Undergraduates' Understanding of Food Energy Water Nexus Connections to Climate Change" (2026). SPS Student Publications. 1.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/spsstudent/1