Journal Article - Ecological Economics
A Multi-regional Input–output Analysis of Domestic Virtual Water Trade and Provincial Water Footprint in China
Abstract
China's booming economy has brought increasing pressures on its water resources. The water scarcity problem in China is characterized by a mismatch between the spatial distributions of water resources, economic development and other primary factors of production, which leads to the separation of production and consumption of water-intensive products. In this paper, we quantify the scale and structure of virtual water trade and consumption-based water footprints at the provincial level in China based on a multi-regional input–output model. We found that virtual water withdrawals and consumption embodied in domestic trade amounts to 184 billion m3 and 101 billion m3 in 2007, respectively, which is equivalent to 38% and 39% of national total fresh water withdrawals and consumption, respectively. Virtual water trade embodied in domestic trade is about two times as much as virtual water embodied in China's international exports. Water footprint in all four municipalities, i.e., Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Chongqing, depends heavily on virtual water inflow from other provinces. China has a north-to-south net VWT pattern which is roughly the opposite of the distribution of its water resources. In addition to water efficiency improvement measures, re-shaping the water-trade nexus can be a significant complementary tool to address local water scarcity problems.
Read the full text here (log in may be required): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800914000421
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.
For more information on this publication:
Please contact
Energy Technology Innovation Policy
For Academic Citation:
Zhang, Chao and Laura Diaz Anadon. “A Multi-regional Input–output Analysis of Domestic Virtual Water Trade and Provincial Water Footprint in China.” Ecological Economics, vol. 100. (April 2014): 159–172 .
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions
- The Wire China
The Ocean Edge
Analysis & Opinions
- Harvard Kennedy School Magazine
Perspectives on China: Can We Balance Climate Goals and Energy Security?
Analysis & Opinions
- China Dialogue
The Reforms Needed for Deep Decarbonisation in China
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Paper
India's Foreign Policy
Analysis & Opinions
- Project Syndicate
What Caused the Ukraine War?
Analysis & Opinions
- New Straits Times
Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War
Abstract
China's booming economy has brought increasing pressures on its water resources. The water scarcity problem in China is characterized by a mismatch between the spatial distributions of water resources, economic development and other primary factors of production, which leads to the separation of production and consumption of water-intensive products. In this paper, we quantify the scale and structure of virtual water trade and consumption-based water footprints at the provincial level in China based on a multi-regional input–output model. We found that virtual water withdrawals and consumption embodied in domestic trade amounts to 184 billion m3 and 101 billion m3 in 2007, respectively, which is equivalent to 38% and 39% of national total fresh water withdrawals and consumption, respectively. Virtual water trade embodied in domestic trade is about two times as much as virtual water embodied in China's international exports. Water footprint in all four municipalities, i.e., Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Chongqing, depends heavily on virtual water inflow from other provinces. China has a north-to-south net VWT pattern which is roughly the opposite of the distribution of its water resources. In addition to water efficiency improvement measures, re-shaping the water-trade nexus can be a significant complementary tool to address local water scarcity problems.
Read the full text here (log in may be required): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800914000421
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions - The Wire China
The Ocean Edge
Analysis & Opinions - Harvard Kennedy School Magazine
Perspectives on China: Can We Balance Climate Goals and Energy Security?
Analysis & Opinions - China Dialogue
The Reforms Needed for Deep Decarbonisation in China
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Paper
India's Foreign Policy
Analysis & Opinions - Project Syndicate
What Caused the Ukraine War?
Analysis & Opinions - New Straits Times
Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War