FalkenmarkIndex

The Falkenmark Index is a measure used to assess water scarcity within a country or region. Developed by Swedish hydrologist Malin Falkenmark, the index estimates the amount of renewable freshwater resources available per person per year. It categorizes water availability into different levels of scarcity, ranging from "low stress" to "absolute scarcity," based on specific thresholds.

The index is calculated by dividing a region's total renewable freshwater resources by its population. These renewable resources include rainfall and river flow that can be replenished naturally. The calculated value per capita is then compared against predefined benchmarks to determine the level of water stress. For example, a value below 1,000 cubic meters per person per year typically indicates absolute scarcity, while values above 10,000 cubic meters per person per year suggest low stress.

While the Falkenmark Index provides a useful overview of potential water availability, it has limitations. It does not account for factors such as water quality, the spatial distribution of water resources within a region, or seasonal variations. Furthermore, it doesn't directly address the demand for water by different sectors like agriculture, industry, and domestic use, nor does it consider the impact of climate change on water availability. Despite these limitations, the Falkenmark Index remains a widely cited tool for understanding broad patterns of water scarcity and informing policy discussions.