A macro-level analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change driven water scarcity: Incorporating behavioural and resilience aspects

Recognising the urgent need to address water scarcity resulting from climate change, there is a growing push to enhance the resilience of water (and related) systems. For instance, policymakers are now urging companies to shift from short-term focused strategies towards long-term approaches to effec...

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Main Authors: Andrew G Ross, Kevin Connolly, Stefan Vögele, Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-05-01
Series:Water Research X
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589914724000136
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author Andrew G Ross
Kevin Connolly
Stefan Vögele
Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs
author_facet Andrew G Ross
Kevin Connolly
Stefan Vögele
Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs
author_sort Andrew G Ross
collection DOAJ
description Recognising the urgent need to address water scarcity resulting from climate change, there is a growing push to enhance the resilience of water (and related) systems. For instance, policymakers are now urging companies to shift from short-term focused strategies towards long-term approaches to effectively manage water scarcity. This paper utilises a custom-built dynamic multisectoral model to assess the socio-economic impacts at a macro-level of temporary water scarcity. The focus of the analysis is to identify the effects that varying levels of investment foresight may have on economic resilience. Specifically, the model incorporates often overlooked factors such as behavioural and resilience aspects. By considering these key elements, a more comprehensive understanding of the system-wide implications of water scarcity on the broader economy is provided. The analysis shows how firms' foresight, or lack thereof, impacts their response to water scarcity and the subsequent impact on the economy. Sector-specific analyses shed light on the potential negative impacts of water scarcity on sectors like agriculture, food, and electricity production and distribution. Yet, the analysis also reveals that certain sectors can benefit from competitiveness effects, which can mitigate the adverse economic implications of water scarcity. However, it should be noted that these sectors may contribute to a catch-up effect on water use. The policy recommendations arising from this research emphasise the promotion of anticipation and preparedness among firms. It is crucial to prioritise resilience-building measures in all sectors, whether they directly rely on water or not.
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spelling doaj.art-e278727af5eb4cd7a37ee4bfd9a6c2f52024-04-22T04:11:54ZengElsevierWater Research X2589-91472024-05-0123100223A macro-level analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change driven water scarcity: Incorporating behavioural and resilience aspectsAndrew G Ross0Kevin Connolly1Stefan Vögele2Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs3Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK), Systems Analysis and Technology Evaluation (IEK-STE), Forschungszentrum, Jülich, Germany; Corresponding author at: Forschungszentrum Jülich, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, IEK-STE, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße 52428, Jülich, Deutschland.Fraser of Allander Institute, Department of Economics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, United KingdomInstitute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK), Systems Analysis and Technology Evaluation (IEK-STE), Forschungszentrum, Jülich, GermanyInstitute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK), Systems Analysis and Technology Evaluation (IEK-STE), Forschungszentrum, Jülich, GermanyRecognising the urgent need to address water scarcity resulting from climate change, there is a growing push to enhance the resilience of water (and related) systems. For instance, policymakers are now urging companies to shift from short-term focused strategies towards long-term approaches to effectively manage water scarcity. This paper utilises a custom-built dynamic multisectoral model to assess the socio-economic impacts at a macro-level of temporary water scarcity. The focus of the analysis is to identify the effects that varying levels of investment foresight may have on economic resilience. Specifically, the model incorporates often overlooked factors such as behavioural and resilience aspects. By considering these key elements, a more comprehensive understanding of the system-wide implications of water scarcity on the broader economy is provided. The analysis shows how firms' foresight, or lack thereof, impacts their response to water scarcity and the subsequent impact on the economy. Sector-specific analyses shed light on the potential negative impacts of water scarcity on sectors like agriculture, food, and electricity production and distribution. Yet, the analysis also reveals that certain sectors can benefit from competitiveness effects, which can mitigate the adverse economic implications of water scarcity. However, it should be noted that these sectors may contribute to a catch-up effect on water use. The policy recommendations arising from this research emphasise the promotion of anticipation and preparedness among firms. It is crucial to prioritise resilience-building measures in all sectors, whether they directly rely on water or not.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589914724000136Water shortageWater scarcitySocio-economic impactsImpact assessmentBehavioural keynesianResilience
spellingShingle Andrew G Ross
Kevin Connolly
Stefan Vögele
Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs
A macro-level analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change driven water scarcity: Incorporating behavioural and resilience aspects
Water Research X
Water shortage
Water scarcity
Socio-economic impacts
Impact assessment
Behavioural keynesian
Resilience
title A macro-level analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change driven water scarcity: Incorporating behavioural and resilience aspects
title_full A macro-level analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change driven water scarcity: Incorporating behavioural and resilience aspects
title_fullStr A macro-level analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change driven water scarcity: Incorporating behavioural and resilience aspects
title_full_unstemmed A macro-level analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change driven water scarcity: Incorporating behavioural and resilience aspects
title_short A macro-level analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change driven water scarcity: Incorporating behavioural and resilience aspects
title_sort macro level analysis of the socio economic impacts of climate change driven water scarcity incorporating behavioural and resilience aspects
topic Water shortage
Water scarcity
Socio-economic impacts
Impact assessment
Behavioural keynesian
Resilience
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589914724000136
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