Vízkerslet

Vízkerslet, also known as water footprint, is a measure of the volume of water used to produce a good or service. It includes both direct water use, such as irrigation for crops or watering lawns, and indirect water use, which is the water required to produce the goods and services consumed in the process. The concept of water footprint was introduced by the Water Footprint Network, an international research organization based in the Netherlands.

The water footprint of a product or service is calculated by adding up the water used in its production, including the water used to grow crops, raise livestock, and manufacture goods. It also includes the water used to transport and distribute the product. The water footprint is typically expressed in liters per kilogram of product or per unit of service.

Water footprint analysis is used to identify areas where water resources are being overused and to promote more sustainable water management practices. It can also help businesses and consumers make more informed decisions about their water use and the products they consume. For example, a study by the Water Footprint Network found that the global water footprint of a typical Western diet is about 1,500 liters per day, while the global water footprint of a typical diet in developing countries is about 2,500 liters per day.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of water footprint analysis in addressing global water scarcity and promoting sustainable water management. The United Nations has recognized the water footprint as a key indicator of sustainable development and has called for greater use of water footprint analysis in policy-making and business decision-making.