Decoupling economic growth from water use intensification

Economic growth typically requires an increase in natural resource extraction, energy production and waste accumulation, and is followed by a growing demand for commodities and services that leads to increasing pressure on nature. While the coupling between economic growth and environmental burdens has been widely investigated from the perspective of pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and climate warming, the relationship between economic development and human appropriation and use of water resources remains under-investigated. Here we examine the hydrologic impacts of growth through the lens of the food–energy–water nexus. We analyse major decoupling mechanisms associated with the spatial and temporal displacement of hydrologic impacts and technological efficiency. We highlight the limitations inherent to such mechanisms, as they achieve only local, temporary or relative decoupling, often by redirecting, but not reducing, the burden on water resources. We point out some promising decoupling pathways associated with new emerging trends in consumption habits and other alternative approaches to moderating consumption.