Should Water Be Viewed As A Commodity Or Common Resource ✓ Solved

Should water be viewed as a commodity or a common resource?

Use the link to answer the question about whether water should be viewed as a commodity or a common resource. This week you have explored how issues associated with freshwater are connected to various sustainability issues. In your Bolivian case study, you explored how freshwater is largely managed as a "commodity" more than a public resource. In your Guided Inquiry, you read about the many challenges associated with having enough water for both people and wildlife in the Colorado River Basin. Another perspective on the relationship between people and freshwater is provided in the Inter-Tribal Fish Commission video. In many parts of the world, human populations have deep cultural, subsistence, and economic connections to the plants and animals that live in or around their local freshwater resources.

Thus, changes or shifts in the species composition of regional rivers (i.e., clams, fish, plants) in response to climate change will "leave the human communities behind." Many people suggest that if we view water resources as a commodity, we can more effectively protect/preserve our waterways because the water will have economic "value." If we view water as a common resource available to everyone (more similar to the Inter-Tribal Fish Commission viewpoint), freshwater might be managed unsustainably because no one company/person can be held responsible for its use. To promote water conservation, should water be viewed as a commodity?

Paper For Above Instructions

The debate over whether freshwater should be viewed as a commodity or a common resource is central to contemporary environmental discussions. Freshwater is indispensable to human survival, ecological balance, and economic activity, yet it is also increasingly under threat from climate change, pollution, and over-extraction. This essay will argue that while viewing water as a commodity can facilitate certain conservation efforts through economic incentives, it risks undermining broader social and ecological values associated with common resources. Therefore, a balanced approach that integrates both perspectives is necessary for sustainable water management.

The Commodity Perspective on Water

Viewing water as a commodity entails recognizing its economic value, leading to its management like any other tradable resource. This perspective is particularly evident in regions like Bolivia, where water scarcity has prompted authorities to auction off water rights to the highest bidder. Proponents of the commodity approach argue that it encourages efficient resource use: when water is priced, individuals and corporations have a financial incentive to conserve it (Grafton et al., 2018).

For example, in the Colorado River Basin, where water is scarce, market-based solutions have been implemented to allocate water rights efficiently. Water trading markets enable users to buy and sell water based on supply and demand dynamics, theoretically ensuring that water reaches its most productive use (Blanco et al., 2020). This shift can lead to enhanced infrastructure investments and innovations in water-saving technologies, promoting overall water conservation.

The Common Resource Perspective on Water

On the other hand, viewing water as a common resource emphasizes its shared nature and the responsibilities that come with it. The Inter-Tribal Fish Commission highlights the deep cultural connections many communities have to freshwater ecosystems, demonstrating that water is not merely a commodity but a vital component of communal identity and ecological health (Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, n.d.). When treated as a common resource, water management prioritizes the conservation of ecosystems, equitable access, and the sustainable use of water which can support both human and wildlife needs.

This perspective warns against the dangers of commodification, which can lead to the neglect of ecological systems and social inequalities. For example, when water is perceived primarily as an economic resource, marginalized communities often lack the power to secure their rights to freshwater, exacerbating disparities and injustices in access to this essential resource (Smith & Hite, 2021). In regions like the Colorado River Basin, this translates into conflicts over water allocation, where some communities face scarcity while others profit from excessive extraction (Gleick, 2021).

Sustainable Water Management: A Balanced Approach

Given these contrasting perspectives, a middle ground approach may offer the most promise for sustainable water management. Adopting a hybrid model that recognizes the economic value of water while also emphasizing its communal and ecological importance can foster cohesive policies. For instance, implementing regulation and stewardship programs alongside market-based solutions could empower communities to actively participate in decision-making processes regarding water management (Harrison et al., 2019).

Such integration could also involve creating legal frameworks that recognize the intrinsic rights of water ecosystems, ensuring that the health of freshwater resources is upheld. This approach aligns with the principles of environmental justice and is essential for supporting biodiversity and resilience against climate change impacts (Hollis et al., 2020). Furthermore, funding water conservation initiatives and education can enhance public awareness of water's role in both economic and ecological contexts (Orr & Wong, 2022).

Conclusion

In summation, the question of whether to view water as a commodity or a common resource cannot be answered definitively; both perspectives offer valuable insights relevant to the challenges we face in managing this vital resource. While the commodity approach can drive economic efficiency and conservation efforts, it can also lead to severe social inequalities and environmental degradation. Conversely, the common resource perspective underscores the importance of inclusivity, ecological health, and community engagement in water management. Striking a balance between these two perspectives will be crucial in promoting sustainable water practices that benefit humans and ecosystems alike.

References

• Blanco, E. E., Molle, F., & Varady, R. G. (2020). Water Allocations and the New Economic Incentives: A Framework for Sustainable Water Management. Water Resources Management, 34(4), 1234-1251.
• Gleick, P. H. (2021). The World's Water: Water in Crisis. Pacific Institute.
• Grafton, R. Q., Kompas, T., & Ward, M. (2018). Water Management Policies: From Commodification to Resource Management. Environmental Science & Policy, 87, 97-105.
• Harrison, T. M., Lemos, M. C., & Méndez, R. (2019). Designing Water Governance: Options for Achieving Sustainable Water Management. Water Policy, 21(5), 951-970.
• Hollis, S., Hart, D., & Barlow, J. (2020). Ecological Connectivity and Water Resource Management. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 18(9), 511-519.
• Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. (n.d.). Our Shared Responsibility: Fisheries and Water. Retrieved from https://www.critfc.org/fish-and-watersheds/climate
• Orr, S., & Wong, H. (2022). The Role of Education in Water Sustainability: Perspectives from Diverse Communities. Journal of Water Sustainability, 10(1), 23-39.
• Smith, S. F., & Hite, D. W. (2021). Water Justice: Addressing the Challenges of Inequitable Water Access. Environmental Justice, 14(2), 75-85.