"Virtual" Water Dependency
Saturday 15 May 2010By EU Reporter Correspondents
A new term has started to appear in environmentalist circles - "virtual water". It refers to the water that is used in the production of imported foodstuffs and other goods. The issue is being much debated at present in scientific circles, particularly in the UK.
Globally, more than $1 trillion is spent each year on importing food, according to the UN Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Much of the production comes from developing nations, where water may be scarce, placing harsh conditions on local populations. Rice and cotton for example, both associated with developing nations, are particularly "thirsty" crops.
Professor John Beddington, chief scientific advisor to HMG, has warned of potential global instability if the importance of interdependency regarding natural resources is not addressed.
Glacial melt is having an effect on water supplies in many parts of the world, notably in China and the Indian sub-continent, with their large populations and agrarian communities. The problems identified by the FAO and the scientific communities may be quickly exacerbated in the event of a collapse of the natural supplies in any of these sensitive areas of the world.
Factoring in the potential effects of a massive northwards migration by Asian populations in the event of such a disaster, Russia has done sterling work in the field, in conjunction with its eastern neighbours, particularly in reversing the Soviet-era devastation of the Aral Sea. A rejuvenated Aral sea may be a magnet for future migrating populations, but it gives the Kremlin a level of certainty as to what to expect, and is far enough to the east to enable the country to limit the effects of migration on the western cities and regions.
Globally, there is adequate water to comfortably sustain our populations at current levels. Distribution, however, is becoming increasingly problematic. National boundaries, and dependence on particular locations, make the movements of populations politically and economically sensitive. Whilst exports provide developing nations with vital income, depriving them of life-sustaining water may far outweigh the benefits. Unless we are prepared to cope with a migration of Biblical proportions, we need to address the issue of our "virtual water footprints".