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Examining Social Perspectives on Sustainability within the Desalination Sector: A Q-Methodology Study
Abstract
As a result of the rising demand on water resources, many stakeholders are deciding to pursue desalination technology as part of their water portfolio. Due to the size and cost of desalination facilities, these infrastructure projects have significant impact on the environmental, economic, and social sustainability. In this study, Q-method was utilized to examine stakeholder perspectives on sustainability in the desalination sector. Three dominant perspective groups on these topics were identified: “We have to include desal in the conversation” views desalination as important for the long-term sustainability of water resources. “The impacts of desalination are a sustainability concern” sees the social and environmental impacts of desalination as too big of a sustainability risk when there are other water resources to consider. “Sustainability is the responsibility of the offtaker” argues that the parties pursuing desalination have the responsibility of addressing sustainability concerns through their proposals and project specifications. These perspectives provide further insight into how stakeholders in the desalination sector understand sustainability, what sustainability challenges are most important to them, and who each group ultimately believes is responsible for ensuring that desalination projects are sustainable. This analysis provides insight into the emerging desalination sector which can assist policymakers in the decision-making process related to this sector and inform global desalination stakeholders on how to improve sustainability engagement and water governance.
Citation
Figueroa, Cindy (2022). Examining Social Perspectives on Sustainability within the Desalination Sector: A Q-Methodology Study. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /198054.