Abstract
Based on the national input–output table, a comparable price non-competitive input–output table was compiled for 2002, 2007, and 2012. The influence factors of price and product imports were removed from the table. Furthermore, a water-use input–output table was constructed based on the links between the economic system and water resources management. With the multi-factor structural decomposition analysis (SDA) model developed in this paper, the driving forces of water use were decomposed into 18 factors, and quantitative effect results were obtained. Total water use in China increased by 3.9% from 2002 to 2007 and by 5.4% from 2007 to 2012 with the combined effects of multiple factors. For example, the increase in economic scale raised water use by 46.6% and 45.5%, respectively. Advancement in agricultural technology (production and water-saving technologies) reduced water use by 14.9% and 19.8%, respectively. Reducing the proportion of thermal/nuclear power and increasing the price of electricity have water use-reducing effects. Changes in the mode of development considerably reduced water use by 9.5% and 5.3%, respectively. Water-use management should focus on factors that have great influence on water use and show high water-use sensitivity.
Highlights
China’s per capita water resource amounts to 2100 m3 (2012), which is lower than the world average
The water-comparable non-competitive input–output table for 2002, 2007, and 2012, compiled in this paper can eliminate the influences of pricing factors and imported products on water use and the driving force analysis
Quantifying the driving force of water use is useful for controlling the total water use
Summary
China’s per capita water resource amounts to 2100 m3 (2012), which is lower than the world average. Along with rapid economic development, the demand for grain and electricity is growing swiftly, creating new challenges for the management of the already severe water shortage problem. To cope with this shortage and improve water-use efficiency, the government has adopted a series of water-saving policies and measures, including investments in farmland water conservancy facilities and implementation of water-saving technology reforms in the power, steel, petrochemical, and other industries. Total water use has fluctuated around 610 billion m3 (2011–2015), and has not increased in accordance with China’s economic aggregates
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
