PNAS-2015-Holland-1507701112.pdf (7.54 MB)
Global impacts of energy demand on the freshwater resources of nations
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 23:14 authored by Robert Alan Holland, Kate A Scott, Martina Flörke, Gareth Brown, Robert M Ewers, Elizabeth Farmer, Valerie Kapos, Ann Muggeridge, Jörn P W Scharlemann, Gail Taylor, John Barrett, Felix EigenbrodThe growing geographic disconnect between consumption of goods, the extraction and processing of resources, and the environmental impacts associated with production activities makes it crucial to factor global trade into sustainability assessments. Using an empirically validated environmentally extended global trade model, we examine the relationship between two key resources underpinning economies and human well-being—energy and freshwater. A comparison of three energy sectors (petroleum, gas, and electricity) reveals that freshwater consumption associated with gas and electricity production is largely confined within the territorial boundaries where demand originates. This finding contrasts with petroleum, which exhibits a varying ratio of territorial to international freshwater consumption, depending on the origin of demand. For example, although the United States and China have similar demand associated with the petroleum sector, international freshwater consumption is three times higher for the former than the latter. Based on mapping patterns of freshwater consumption associated with energy sectors at subnational scales, our analysis also reveals concordance between pressure on freshwater resources associated with energy production and freshwater scarcity in a number of river basins globally. These energy-driven pressures on freshwater resources in areas distant from the origin of energy demand complicate the design of policy to ensure security of fresh water and energy supply. Although much of the debate around energy is focused on greenhouse gas emissions, our findings highlight the need to consider the full range of consequences of energy production when designing policy.
Funding
Consultancy with UNEP-WCMC; G1132; UK Energy Research Centre; NE/J005924/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesISSN
1091-6490Publisher
National Academy of SciencesExternal DOI
Issue
48Volume
112Article number
E6707-E6716Department affiliated with
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Sussex Sustainability Research Programme Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-11-18First Open Access (FOA) Date
2015-11-18First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2015-11-18Usage metrics
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