Global water scarcity assessment at a high spatial and temporal resolution, accounting for environmental flow requirements.

This study quantifies and maps the water footprint (WF) of humanity at a high spatial resolution. It reports on consumptive use rainwater (green WF) ground surface (blue volumes polluted (gray WF). Water footprints are estimated per nation from both production consumption perspective. International virtual flows based trade in agricultural industrial commodities. The global annual average WF period 1996-2005 was 9,087 Gm(3)/y (74% green, 11% blue, 15% gray). Agricultural contributes 92%....

Abstract. This study quantifies the green, blue and grey water footprint of global crop production in a spatially-explicit way for period 1996–2005. The assessment improves upon earlier research by taking high-resolution approach, estimating 126 crops at 5 arc minute grid. We have used grid-based dynamic balance model to calculate use over time, with time step one day. takes into account daily soil climatic conditions each grid cell. In addition, pollution associated nitrogen fertilizer is...

The increase in the consumption of animal products is likely to put further pressure on world’s freshwater resources. This paper provides a comprehensive account water footprint products, considering different production systems and feed composition per type country. Nearly one-third total agriculture world related products. any product larger than crop with equivalent nutritional value. average calorie for beef 20 times cereals starchy roots. gram protein milk, eggs chicken meat 1.5 pulses....

Freshwater scarcity is a growing concern, placing considerable importance on the accuracy of indicators used to characterize and map water worldwide. We improve upon past efforts by using estimates blue footprints (consumptive use ground- surface flows) rather than withdrawals, accounting for flows needed sustain critical ecological functions considering monthly annual values. analyzed 405 river basins period 1996-2005. In 201 with 2.67 billion inhabitants there was severe during at least...

Abstract. This study quantifies the green, blue and grey water footprint of global crop production in a spatially-explicit way for period 1996–2005. The assessment is improves upon earlier research by taking high-resolution approach, estimating 126 crops at 5 arc min grid. We have used grid-based dynamic balance model to calculate use over time, with time step one day. takes into account daily soil climatic conditions each grid cell. In addition, pollution associated nitrogen fertilizer...

All energy scenarios show a shift toward an increased percentage of renewable sources, including biomass. This study gives overview water footprints (WFs) bioenergy from 12 crops that currently contribute the most to global agricultural production: barley, cassava, maize, potato, rapeseed, rice, rye, sorghum, soybean, sugar beet, cane, and wheat. In addition, this includes jatropha, suitable crop. Since climate production circumstances differ among regions, calculations have been performed...

Where the river basin is generally seen as appropriate unit for analysing freshwater availability and use, this paper shows that it becomes increasingly important to put issues in a global context. International trade commodities implies flows of 'virtual water' over large distances, where virtual water should be understood volume required produce commodity. Virtual between nations have been estimated from statistics on international product content per exporting country. With increasing...

This study develops water footprint scenarios for 2050 based on a number of drivers change: population growth, economic production/trade pattern, consumption pattern (dietary change, bioenergy use) and technological development. The objective the is to understand changes in (WF) production possible futures by region elaborate main this change. In addition, we assess virtual flows between regions world show dependencies resources other under different futures. We constructed four scenarios,...

Abstract. Many nations save domestic water resources by importing water-intensive products and exporting commodities that are less intensive. National saving through the import of a product can imply at global level if flow is from sites with high to low productivity. The paper analyses consequences international virtual flows on national budgets. assessment shows total amount would have been required in countries all imported agricultural produced domestically 1605 Gm3/yr. These however...

In the coming few decades, global freshwater demand will increase to meet growing for food, fibre and biofuel crops. Raising water productivity in agriculture, that is reducing footprint (WF) per unit of production, contribute pressure on limited resources. This study establishes a set WF benchmark values large number crops grown world. The distinguishes between benchmarks green–blue (the sum rain- irrigation consumption) grey (volume polluted water). reference period 1996–2005. We analysed...