Unfolding the potential of the Virtual Water concept. What is still under debate?

Marta Antonelli and Martina Sartori

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: The concept of virtual water refers to the volume of water used in the production of a commodity or a service. The concept was identified by the geographer Tony Allan in the early 1990s, to draw attention on the global economic processes that ameliorate local water deficits in the MENA region and elsewhere. Since its inception, the virtual water concept has inspired a flourishing literature on how to address global water resource scarcity vis-à-vis commodity production and consumption in a variety of disciplines, but also has been the object of a number of critiques. Against this backdrop, the aim of the study is, first, to conduct a thorough review of the conceptual definition of the concept, its critics and applications. Secondly, to analyse its theoretical underpinnings and, in particular, its relationship with economic theory. The study argues that, despite not being a policy tool itself, the virtual water concept can reveal aspects related to production, consumption and trade in goods which monetary indicators do not capture. Its potential as an indicator for informing decision-making in water management and policy, as well as commodity trade policy, still has to be fully unfolded.

Keywords: virtual water; water footprint; green and blue water; water scarcity and security; water policy; international trade (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F18 Q25 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Working Paper: Unfolding the Potential of the Virtual Water Concept. What is still under debate? (2014)
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