April 10, 2026 | Sustainable Environment |
This study conducted by Aarhus University, Denmark examined the global environmental impacts associated with the production, consumption, and international trade of tropical fruits. Demand for tropical fruits has expanded worldwide, yet their cultivation is concentrated in specific regions that require substantial amounts of water and land. As a result, the environmental pressures associated with production are often borne by producing countries, while consumption occurs elsewhere.
The researchers assessed the water and land resources embodied in the production and trade of ten major tropical fruits between 2000 and 2021. The analysis estimated that global production consumed approximately 296 billion cubic meters of green water, 33 billion cubic meters of blue water, and 30 million hectares of land. Among the studied fruits, coconut production accounted for the largest overall water and land use associated with domestic consumption. Avocado showed the greatest increase in water and land embodied in international trade during the study period, reflecting its rapidly growing global demand.
The study found that substantial flows of virtual water and land moved through trade from developing regions, particularly South and Central America, to developed markets such as the United States. These trade patterns can intensify water scarcity and land-use pressure in exporting regions. The findings highlight the uneven distribution of environmental burdens within global tropical fruit supply chains and emphasize the need for more sustainable consumption, production, and trade practices to reduce resource pressures in producing countries.
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