Analysing the development of the climate, land, energy, and water systems (CLEWs) modelling framework: a state-of-the-art review
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Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This comprehensive state-of-the-art literature review explores recent scientific developments in climate, land, energy, and water systems (CLEWs) modelling by systematically analysing 41 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024. This research uncovered insights into the evolving interdisciplinary landscape, revealing various trends, such as approximately 74% of studies publishing their data as open-access and 50% employing an open-source analytical tool, or tools, in combination with open-access data. This study identified four areas of significance: (1) the connections between CLEWs and the sustainable development goals, (2) how the CLEWs framework is linked to capacity development, (3) the critical interplay between energy and water systems, and (4) the transformative potential for comprehensive system integration using the CLEWs modelling framework. By pinpointing promising research directions such as soft-linking CLEWs models with geographic information systems, applying robust decision making methodologies, adapting the CLEWs framework to the city level, and highlighting the need to assess real world impact of CLEWs research, the review provides a strategic roadmap for future interdisciplinary research. Notably, the analysis emphasised the urgent need for enhanced institutional coordination and collaborative communities of practice, particularly for open-source modelling tools like the open-source energy modelling system, to further accelerate knowledge dissemination and foster innovative, integrated approaches to complex systemic challenges.
Date Issued
2025-09-01
Date Acceptance
2025-07-28
Citation
Environmental Research: Climate, 2025, 4 (3)
ISSN
2752-5295
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Environmental Research: Climate
Volume
4
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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Subjects
AFOLU
capacity development
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Sciences & Ecology
FOOD NEXUS
INTEGRATED ANALYSIS
integrated assessment modelling
interlinkages
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Physical Sciences
Science & Technology
sustainable development
water-energy-food nexus
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
032001
Date Publish Online
2025-08-05