Assessment on the flow and vulnerability of water footprint network of Beijing city, China

Abstract

Water resources are strategically important for human production and life. However, water resources are unevenly distributed in time and space. Rational use of broad water resources such as water footprint is essential for promoting regional sustainable development. This study developed an approach that quantified water footprint of Beijing, China based on input-output data of local production and living sectors and defined an indicator system to assess the dependency and vulnerability of regional water footprint network. Results indicated that water footprint of Beijing decreased from 1.89×1010 m3 in 2007 to 1.61×1010 m3 in 2012, of which the imported virtual water accounted for 33.85% in 2007 and 26.39% in 2012, respectively. The primary industry had the smallest total water footprint but the largest proportion of imported virtual water. The secondary industry had the largest total water footprint and a moderate proportion of imported virtual water. The tertiary industry had a moderate proportion of total water footprint and the smallest proportion of imported virtual water. Regions with main virtual water export to Beijing include neighboring provinces and long distance provinces. These providers exerted indirect water stress on Beijing due to their own direct water stress and industrial structure. In order to reduce the vulnerability of the water footprint network, Beijing should import virtual water-related products and services from the areas with less water stress, and at the same time, it should improve the water use efficiency of its own production and consumption. The methodology suggested in this study towards decreasing the vulnerability of the water footprint network is instructive for other regions facing water scarcity like Beijing to promote rational water resources use.