Measuring the human dimensions of water insecurity in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions: a narrative review.

Abstract

Water (in)security is central to achieving sustainable development in Arctic communities. To characterize the pervasive and place-based challenges faced by Arctic residents and communities, water insecurity can be examined across five dimensions (i.e., availability, accessibility, safety, reliability and preference). Based on an analysis of 61 studies, this narrative review synthesizes how the human dimensions of Arctic water insecurity have been measured in the scientific literature. This review serves as a resource for researchers, policymakers and practitioners when selecting measures of water insecurity based on past studies, and for addressing knowledge gaps through the development of new measures in partnership with Arctic and Indigenous communities. Faced with rapid climatic and societal change, enhanced human-centered measures of water insecurity in the Arctic will enable future research, policy, monitoring, management and stewardship. This is necessary to achieve the human right to water and Sustainable Development Goal of clean water and sanitation for all.