In this episode, co-host Rhea and I spoke with Stephan Pfister, a professor at ETH Zürich in the Ecological Systems Design group . He shared insights from his research on evaluating the environmental impact of freshwater consumption within the framework of LCA, a method that assesses the full environmental impact of products from creation to disposal.
We discussed how his journey began with a focus on groundwater modeling, eventually leading him to assess water scarcity and stress in LCA. He emphasized the importance of including water scarcity in environmental impact assessments, as neglecting this can lead to misleading conclusions about a product's sustainability.
He also explained the differences between LCA and water footprint methodologies, highlighting past disputes over their approaches. Initially, water footprinting did not account for water scarcity, but this has changed over time, aligning more closely with LCA principles.
The conversation touched on the global implications of agricultural production and trade on water resources. Professor Pfister stressed the need for sustainable practices and policies that consider both economic development and environmental preservation. This episode offered valuable insights into the complex field of LCA and its critical role in addressing global water challenges.
#lifecycledassessment #waterscarcity #smartwatersolutions
