Invited Opinion Interview with Professor Tony Allan – Part 2
Water Scarcity, Food Production, and Virtual Water” (Part 2)
Interview conducted by Dale Whittington and Duncan A. Thomas
In Part 2 of the interview, Tony Allan expands on the implications of the virtual water concept for global food security, international trade, and water governance. He argues that water scarcity should be understood within broader political and economic systems rather than solely through hydrological or engineering perspectives. Allan emphasizes that global food trade enables water-scarce nations to secure food supplies by importing water-intensive commodities, reducing the likelihood of conflicts over water resources.
The discussion also addresses the role of markets, governance institutions, and environmental accounting in managing water sustainably. Allan highlights the need to recognize the hidden water costs embedded in food production and supply chains while promoting policies that balance economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and social equity.