Globalization and International Trade of Water (Chapter 2)

Authors

Peter H. Gleick, Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security
Gary Wolff, Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security
Elizabeth L. Chalecki, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Rachel Reyes, Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security

Document Type

Monograph

Publication Date

2002

Publication Title

The World's Water 2002-2003: the Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources

Volume

2002-2003

First Page

33

Last Page

56

Abstract

This chapter explores the implications of treating water as an economic good within global markets. While economic valuation can promote efficiency, it raises concerns over equity, ecological protection, and cultural values. The authors define key concepts—globalization, privatization, and commodification—and examine tensions between market allocation and the universal right to water.

Examples range from bottled water sales to proposals for bulk transfers, analyzed within international trade frameworks like GATT and NAFTA. The chapter emphasizes that sustainable water management requires integrating social and economic goals, ensuring equitable access, protecting ecosystems, and establishing clear national and international rules to prevent overexploitation and inequitable distribution.

Comments

This is a chapter co-written by University of Nebraska at Omaha faculty, Elizabeth Chalecki, and was deposited with permission from the publisher.

From World’s Water 2002-2003, by Peter Gleick et al. Copyright © 2002 Island Press. Reproduced by permission of Island Press, Washington, DC

This work is copyrighted and any reuse or permissions must be obtained from the copyright holder directly.

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Recommended Citation

Gleick, Peter H., Gary Wolff, Elizabeth L. Chalecki, and Rachel Reyes. 2002. Chapter 2 “Globalization and International Trade of Water” As found in Gleick, Peter, ed. The World’s Water 2002-2003: The Biennial Report on Freshwater Resources. Washington, DC: Island Press. 33-56pp.