Navigating Complexity–Multisectoral Models for Ecologically Sustainable Water Management in a Changing World and Climate
Cazcarro, I. (2025). Navigating Complexity–Multisectoral Models for Ecologically Sustainable Water Management in a Changing World and Climate. Water Economics and Policy. https://doi.org/10.1142/S2382624X25710031
This policy note is dedicated to exploring the transformative potential, and inherent
challenges, of multisectoral modelling for water management. Water scarcity and pollution are
not isolated issues but are deeply embedded in a complex web of economic interdependencies,
transboundary flows, and climate-induced disruptions. While traditional water centered models
have been useful, they need further elements to capture the non-linear feedback loops and
cross-sectoral trade-offs that define modern water challenges. This note argues that
multiregional and multisector models and other integrated assessment frameworks offer a
powerful, yet still relatively underutilized, integrated lens for understanding these complexities.
We highlight key limitations—including data uncertainty, computational complexity, and the
challenge of translating model outputs into policy—and chart a path forward. Importantly, it
aims to propose relatively novel, relevant and high-impact applications for these models, from
assessing the digital economy water footprint to designing policies for emerging pollutants and
valuing ecological flows, enhancing their role in designing robust, ecologically sustainable and
equitable water management strategies for the 21st century.
This policy note is dedicated to exploring the transformative potential, and inherent
challenges, of multisectoral modelling for water management. Water scarcity and pollution are
not isolated issues but are deeply embedded in a complex web of economic interdependencies,
transboundary flows, and climate-induced disruptions. While traditional water centered models
have been useful, they need further elements to capture the non-linear feedback loops and
cross-sectoral trade-offs that define modern water challenges. This note argues that
multiregional and multisector models and other integrated assessment frameworks offer a
powerful, yet still relatively underutilized, integrated lens for understanding these complexities.
We highlight key limitations—including data uncertainty, computational complexity, and the
challenge of translating model outputs into policy—and chart a path forward. Importantly, it
aims to propose relatively novel, relevant and high-impact applications for these models, from
assessing the digital economy water footprint to designing policies for emerging pollutants and
valuing ecological flows, enhancing their role in designing robust, ecologically sustainable and
equitable water management strategies for the 21st century.