Measurement and decomposition of green water resource utilization efficiency across multiple water use sectors in China: A perspective on water-saving potential

Abstract

In the context of current water resource shortages and global warming, a green and efficient water resource utilization mode that considers water-saving potential and carbon emissions is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality. In this study, using the carbon dioxide emission equivalent analysis (CEEA) method for water resource utilization behaviors (WRUBs), we constructed an input-output index system for green water resource utilization efficiency (GWRUE) across agricultural, industrial, domestic, and ecological sectors. A comprehensive measurement framework for GWRUE, incorporating the carbon emissions (absorption) of WRUBs, was proposed and applied to evaluate sector-specific GWRUE and comprehensive green water resource utilization efficiency (CGWRUE). Subsequently, changes in GWRUE were analyzed from the perspective of water-saving potential, and the driving factors influencing GWRUE were explored. Case studies were conducted at the subnational scale, covering 31 provinces and seven geographical regions in China. Results showed that: a) The average CGWRUE in the eastern region was higher than that in the western region. Furthermore, the average CGWRUE in the central and southern regions was lower than that in the north. b) Agricultural GWRUE surpassed that in other sectors in China. Industrial and domestic GWRUE levels were similar and relatively stable. The ecological GWRUE of each region was more dispersed than that in the other sectors. c) Agricultural water-saving potential generally exceeded that in the industrial and domestic sectors across the seven regions. The average CGWRUE of the four sectors decreased from the perspective of water-saving potential but increased from the perspective of resource water-saving potential perspective. d) The economic development level effect was found to considerably drive CGWRUE growth nationwide, with a contributing rate of 384.45 %. The water use scale effect predominantly led to a decline in CGWRUE, with a contribution rate of −270.26 %.