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

• Main Authors: Benjamin H. Lowe, David R. Oglethorpe, Sonal Choudhary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-12-01
• Series: Water
• Subjects: benefit transfer; supply chain management; value of water; virtual water; water footprint assessment
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/10/12/1815

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.