Analysing the Development of the Climate, Land, Energy, and Water systems (CLEWs) Modelling Framework: A state-of-the-art review

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 just over 74% of studies utilised open-access data, despite this only 50% employed open-source analytical tools with open-access data, highlighting an ongoing barrier in research accessibility and knowledge transfer. The study identified four areas of significance: the connections between CLEWs and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), how the CLEWs framework is linked to capacity development, the critical interplay between energy and water systems, and 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 (GIS), applying Robust Decision Making (RDM) methodologies, and developing city-level CLEWs frameworks, the review provides a strategic roadmap for future interdisciplinary research. Notably, the analysis emphasised the urgent need for enhanced institutional coordination, capacity development in long-term modelling, and collaborative communities of practice, particularly for open-source modelling tools like OSeMOSYS, further acceleration of knowledge dissemination, and fostering of innovative, integrated approaches to complex systemic challenges.