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Virtual water trade and world water resources
1Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Takashima-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0878, Japan. oki@chikyu.ac.jp
Summary
Global virtual water trade significantly impacts water resource management. Estimating virtual water content in products reveals water savings through international trade, aiding in realistic water scarcity assessments.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology and Water Resources Management
- Environmental Economics
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Global trade in agricultural and stock products involves significant water consumption.
- Understanding water footprints is crucial for sustainable resource management.
- Previous assessments lacked comprehensive quantitative analysis of virtual water flows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively estimate and evaluate global virtual water trade.
- To introduce a method for calculating the unit water requirement for commodity production.
- To assess the implications of virtual water trade on water scarcity and efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a methodology to estimate the unit water requirement for various commodities.
- Quantitative analysis of virtual water flows in global trade for the year 2000.
- Comparison of water required in exporting versus importing countries.
Main Results:
- Global virtual water trade was estimated at 680 km3/y (required water) and 1,130 km3/y (virtual water) in 2000.
- International trade resulted in an estimated virtual water saving of 450 km3/y.
- Exporting countries generally have a comparative advantage in water use efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Virtual water trade offers insights into water use efficiency and potential water savings.
- Quantitative estimates of virtual water trade can inform water scarcity indices and future water demand projections.
- Virtual water analysis should be complemented with social, cultural, environmental, and other limiting factors for comprehensive decision-making.