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Re‐thinking water scarcity: Can science and technology solve the global water crisis?

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  • Elena Lopez‐Gunn
  • Manuel Ramón Llamas

Abstract

This paper provides examples from the last fifty years of scientific and technological innovations that provide relatively easy, quick and affordable means of addressing key water management issues. Scientific knowledge and technological innovation can help open up previously closed decision‐making systems. Four of these tools are discussed in this paper: a) the opportunities afforded by virtual water trade; b) the silent revolution for beneficial use of groundwater; c) salt water desalination; and finally, d) the use of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). Together these advances are changing the options available to address water and food security that have been predominant for centuries in the minds of most water decision‐makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Lopez‐Gunn & Manuel Ramón Llamas, 2008. "Re‐thinking water scarcity: Can science and technology solve the global water crisis?," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 32(3), pages 228-238, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:natres:v:32:y:2008:i:3:p:228-238
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-8947.2008.00200.x
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    1. Phoebe Koundouri, 2004. "Current Issues in the Economics of Groundwater Resource Management," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 18(5), pages 703-740, December.
    2. Allan, J. A. T., 2007. "Rural economic transitions: groundwater use in the Middle East and its environmental consequences," IWMI Books, Reports H040042, International Water Management Institute.
    3. de Fraiture, Charlotte & Cai, X & Amarasinghe, Upali & Rosegrant, M. & Molden, David, 2004. "Does international cereal trade save water?: the impact of virtual water trade on global water use," IWMI Research Reports H035342, International Water Management Institute.
    4. de Fraiture, Charlotte & Cai, Ximing & Amarasinghe, Upali A. & Rosegrant, Mark W. & Molden, David J., 2004. "Does international cereal trade save water? The impact of virtual water trade on global water use," IWMI Research Reports 92832, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Giordano, Mark & Villholth, Karen, 2007. "The agricultural groundwater revolution: opportunities and threats to development," IWMI Books, Reports H040039, International Water Management Institute.
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