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As part of our topic on virtual water, we gained a better understanding of how significant an impact our everyday decisions have on the environment. It became clear that water is not only what we directly consume, but also what remains hidden behind the production of the products we commonly use.

What is virtual water?

Virtual water refers to the amount of water used in the production of goods and services. This water is not visible at first glance because it is used throughout the entire production process, from growing raw materials to processing and distribution (Water Footprint Network, n.d.).

For example, the production of food, textiles, or other common products requires a considerable amount of water. Each product therefore has its own “water footprint,” which reflects its overall impact on water resources (Water Footprint Network, n.d.).

What are the consequences?

The consequences of excessive virtual water consumption are significant both environmentally and socially. Producing water-intensive goods in regions with limited water resources can lead to depletion, soil degradation, and threats to local ecosystems (European Commission, n.d.).

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater use (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, n.d.). This indicates that food production in particular has a major impact on global water resources.

Virtual water also plays an important role in international trade. When products are imported from abroad, water is indirectly transferred between regions. This phenomenon can deepen imbalances between countries with abundant water resources and those facing water scarcity (UNESCO, n.d.).

What we learned

Studying this topic helped us understand that water consumption is much more complex than it first appears. We realized that our everyday decisions, especially in terms of consumption and diet, have a direct impact on the use of water resources on a global scale.

At the same time, we recognized the importance of a responsible approach to natural resources and the need to raise awareness about this issue.

What can we do?

Reducing virtual water consumption requires a combination of individual and systemic measures. At an individual level, we can reduce food waste, prefer products with lower water intensity, and support sustainable production methods (European Commission, n.d.).

In the long term, it is also important to support innovations in agriculture, more efficient water management, and responsible trade policies (UNESCO, n.d.).

The topic of virtual water has shown us that protecting water resources is not only a local issue, but a global challenge that requires awareness, cooperation, and a responsible approach from each of us.

References

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (n.d.). Water use in agriculture.
https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/b48cb758-48bc-4dc5-a508-e5a0d61fb365/content

UNESCO. (n.d.). The United Nations world water development report.
https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-world-water-development-report

Water Footprint Network. (n.d.). What is virtual water?
https://www.waterfootprint.org/water-footprint-2/frequently-asked-questions/

European Commission. (n.d.). Water and agriculture in Europe.
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/cap-my-country/sustainability/environmental-sustainability/natural-resources/water_en
 

Emma, Karolína and Olívie from ZŠ T. Stolzové Kostelec nad Labem