An input-output analysis of virtual water uses of the three economic sectors in Beijing

In this paper a review of virtual water in Beijing is provided using input-output techniques, showing that importing virtual water reached 1790 million m(3) in 2004 and 1840 million m(3) in 2007, accounting for 37.5% and 34.6%, respectively, of the water footprint of the three economic sectors in Beijing. Virtual water has played an important role in supporting the regional economic development.