Water-energy-food security under green finance constraints in Southwest China

The key objective in green growth is to direct more capital into the green industry through innovative financial tools to achieve sustainability. This study calculates the water footprint of water-intensive food energy pro-duction and the virtual water flow caused by trade in five provinces of southwest China based on green financial data using quantitative analysis. This study proposes a modified water resource stress index (MWSI) associated with virtual water outflow. The results show that the output of food energy and virtual water flow in southwest China is increasing, which results in pressure on water resources in the locality and output region. Green finance could be a solution for solving water insecurity in China. This paper proposes comprehensive policy suggestions to ensure the sustainable development of water resources in southwest China.

Automated summary

This study uses quantitative analysis to calculate the water footprint of water-intensive food energy production and virtual water flow caused by trade in five provinces of southwest China based on green financial data. It proposes a modified water resource stress index (MWSI) associated with virtual water outflow. The results show that food energy output and virtual water flow in southwest China are increasing, leading to pressure on water resources in the locality and output region. Green finance could be a solution to address water insecurity in China. This paper proposes comprehensive policy suggestions to ensure the sustainable development of water resources in southwest China.