Addressing Water Security: An Overview

Juliana Marcal, Blanca Antizar-Ladislao and Jan Hofman
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Juliana Marcal: Water Innovation and Research Centre (WIRC), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
Blanca Antizar-Ladislao: Isle Utilities Ltd., 2nd Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London SE1 7TP, UK
Jan Hofman: Water Innovation and Research Centre (WIRC), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 24, 1-18

Abstract: For the last two decades, water security has been in the spotlight as a key concept for sustainable development. However, due to its wide interpretation range, the understanding of what water security is and what it encompasses can change considerably with different perspectives. By means of a review of both academic and grey literature, this paper presents an in-depth global overview of what water security means and how assessment is being carried out. These aspects are put together in the present work with the aim to facilitate access to this complex concept for academics but also policymakers and other stakeholders involved in water management and governance. Aiming to provide a groundwork for water security understanding, we examine definitions, scales of application, frequent approaches and methodologies used to study water security. We also present indicators and aspects being included in water security frameworks. A summary of important actions towards water security improvement is also presented. As a dynamic and multi-faceted concept, water security requires an equally multi-dimensional and flexible interpretation. Understanding and measuring are key to improving water security levels. Bringing attention to how climate change, environmental needs, demographics, economics and governance are linked to water security can boost impact by prompting science, policies and innovation to come together.

Keywords: water security; assessment; sustainable development; policymaking; water governance; innovation; climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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