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Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm
Published on: December 9, 2012
Evolution of the global virtual water trade network
Carole Dalin1, Megan Konar, Naota Hanasaki
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
Summary
Global food trade significantly increased virtual water transfers, leading to greater global water savings. This dynamic network evolution highlights shifts in trade partnerships and impacts on water resource management worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Economics
- Global Trade Analysis
Background:
- Global freshwater resources face mounting pressure from development, population growth, and climate change.
- International trade in water-intensive agricultural commodities, known as virtual water trade, is proposed as a global water-saving strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the evolution of the virtual water trade network in global food trade from 1986 to 2007.
- To link network changes to trade policies, socioeconomic factors, and agricultural efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a virtual water trade network using annual food trade data and modeled virtual water content.
- Analysis of network evolution, including trade connections, water volumes, and regional/national patterns over 22 years.
Main Results:
- Global food trade's virtual water volume and trade connections more than doubled between 1986 and 2007.
- Significant shifts in regional patterns observed: Asia increased imports, switching partners from North America to South America; North America focused on intraregional trade.
- China's surge in virtual water imports linked to policy-driven soy import increases, impacting global soy markets and Brazilian production.
Conclusions:
- International food trade has demonstrably enhanced global water resource savings over time.
- The efficiency of global water use is growing through international food trade, despite localized environmental impacts like deforestation.
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