Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water Use and Water Pollution: A Report of the Water Working Group of the International Resource Panel

Global trends point to a relative decoupling of water – that is, the rate of water resource use is increasing at a rate slower than that of economic growth. The Options for Decoupling Economic Growth from Water Use and Water Pollution report provides an independent assessment of technological and policy-relevant tools and approaches that can be used to achieve the decoupling of water resources from economic development while considering environmental and welfare impacts over the full life cycle. To head off a looming water resource crisis, meet global water demand, and sustain economic growth and human wellbeing, global action for decoupling water from economic growth is essential. The report puts forward a package of policy and practical responses based on decoupling strategies to help the forward looking policy-maker in achieving global aspirations for water sustainability.