Open AccessDynamic multibenefit solutions for global water challenges
Author(s) -
Rohde Melissa M.,
Reynolds Mark,
Howard Jeanette
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.144
Subject(s) - water scarcity , scalability , wetland , climate change , environmental science , scarcity , aquifer , water resources , environmental resource management , computer science , integrated water resources management , global warming , business , environmental economics , environmental planning , natural resource economics , groundwater , ecology , engineering , economics , geotechnical engineering , database , biology , microeconomics
Increasing water scarcity and extreme weather due to climate change have implications for securing water for food, drinking, and the environment. These 21st century global water challenges are often co‐located, yet the solutions to these issues are often decoupled. To efficiently address global water challenges, implementing dynamic multibenefit solutions is needed to respond rapidly and nimbly to diverse and multiple water needs simultaneously. In this article, we provide an example of how dynamic multibenefit solutions have been used to provide “pop‐up” wetland habitat for migratory birds, while replenishing depleted aquifers to create environmental and water supply benefits. Additionally, this article outlines six design principles that can enhance the scalability of multibenefit solutions through the use of recent technological advances borrowing concepts from the shared economy that enable scarce water resources to be dynamically shared between people and nature when and where it is needed.