Lecture 6: Global virtual water trade, water grabbing, water war and peace

Question 1

What are the four arguments that dispel the myths of water wars according to Dell’Angelo?

Answer 1

1. Instead of fighting over water, countries often work together. They make agreements to manage water across borders.
2. We can use technology to create more fresh water
3. Water is so important for life that countries usually don’t use military force to get it from another, they prefer to talk and make deals
4. Instead of always depending on local water, we can use trade to import water.

Question 2

What is a downside to virtual water according to Dell’Angelo?

Answer 2

Virtual water does not take into account that it has serious socio-environmental impacts on the virtual water exporting country. The poor and most vulnerable people are the ones carrying the burden.

Question 3

Explain why the wars of the future will not be about water:

Answer 3

According to Barnaby: climate change will cause water stress – water management will need to adapt, but the mechanisms of trade, international agreements and economic development that currently ease water shortages will persist. Oil will cause war, but the strategic significance of oil is higher than that if water because it will stop highly developed economies and a highly developed economy will provide for its citizens, including water.

Question 4

What is the solution to water shortage according to Barnaby?

Answer 4

Improve conditions of trade for developing countries to strengthen their economies.