"Virtual water is the water used in the production of goods and services we use. For example, to produce a McDonald's Big Mac takes about 2,400 litres of water, most of which is used to grow the grain that feeds the cattle."
The majority of the virtual water we use goes into the production of foods as shown in Figure 5.25 (page 118) below:
For example, a typical breakfast can consume up to 1,100 litres of water:
- Cup of coffee/tea = 140 litres of water
- Eggs = 120 litres
- Milk = 240 litres
- One piece of toast = 80 litres (and this doesn't include butter/vegemite/jam)
Trading virtual water:
The concept of trading virtual water refers to the idea that when goods and services are exchanged, so is the water that was used to produce them.
Example:
When a country imports (bring in from another country) 1 tonne of wheat, that country saves about 1,300 cubic metres of its own water (as it would have used 1,300 cubic metres of its own water if it produced the wheat themselves instead of importing it). If the water is scare in a country, the water it saved can be used for other purposes. If however, the water is scarce in the country that produced the wheat, then they have exported 1,300 cubic metres of water that is no longer available for other purposes.
The concept of trading virtual water refers to the idea that when goods and services are exchanged, so is the water that was used to produce them.
Example:
When a country imports (bring in from another country) 1 tonne of wheat, that country saves about 1,300 cubic metres of its own water (as it would have used 1,300 cubic metres of its own water if it produced the wheat themselves instead of importing it). If the water is scare in a country, the water it saved can be used for other purposes. If however, the water is scarce in the country that produced the wheat, then they have exported 1,300 cubic metres of water that is no longer available for other purposes.
Complete these questions in your work book:
- Why is it important to know the amount of virtual water involved in producing goods and services?
- Explain the concept of 'trade in virtual water'. What are the implications (consequences) of this concept for countries with scarce (limited) water supply?
- Complete the interactive activity on page 119 of Pearson
Research and record the amount of water required to develop, produce and run one of the following products:
- iPhone
- Television
- iPod
- iPad
- Laptop Computer