Marrying Unmarried Literatures: The Water Footprint and Environmental (Economic) Valuation

In this commentary, we set out the rationale for bringing together two research fields: Water Footprint Assessment and environmental (economic) valuation, which have evolved separately. This has the potential to inform the efficient allocation of virtual water flows at a global scale. It would also...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Benjamin H. Lowe, David R. Oglethorpe, Sonal Choudhary
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2018-12-01
Series:Water
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/10/12/1815
Description
Summary:In this commentary, we set out the rationale for bringing together two research fields: Water Footprint Assessment and environmental (economic) valuation, which have evolved separately. This has the potential to inform the efficient allocation of virtual water flows at a global scale. It would also address some of the aims and objectives in the Water Footprint Assessment Manual regarding the assessment of environmental impacts and their sustainability, which thus far have not been covered in the literature. We also indicate how established practice in the environmental valuation community would need to develop to facilitate productive exchange between the two fields. Finally, we outline the key developments in the non-peer reviewed grey literature that signal the merit of such an exchange.
ISSN:2073-4441