Irish Water Footprint

An average Irish person consumes a staggering 3,600 litres of water per day, 97% of which outside the home. The indirect use includes water used to produce the goods and services we consume – or ‘embodied’ water. This blog of the Institute of International and European Affairs provides a striking visual as to how we use water – 87% for agricultural products, including 27% for meat, 10% for milk and 8% for cereals. As in many develop Western countries, Irish consumers and businesses have externalised their water footprint, importing water-intensive goods from abroad. But as climate change and population growth place increasing pressure on water resources, it is imperative for businesses and governments to cut direct water consumption and supply chain consumption to sustainable levels. Find out more about ways for businesses and governments to cut direct water consumption and supply chain consumption to sustainable levels by watching Prof. Hoekstra’s (University of Twente, NL) presentation at the IIEA.