In a world grappling with water scarcity and climate change, a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Discover Sustainability* (translated from German as *Explore Sustainability*) offers a fresh perspective on water governance and sustainability, with significant implications for the energy sector. Led by Lina Abu Ghunmi from the University of Jordan, the research delves into the intricate relationship between economic growth, water consumption, and the role of Islamic moral economy in promoting circular water use.
The study, which spans 179 countries from 1962 to 2019, employs Tapio’s decoupling index and the environmental Kuznets curve framework to investigate the decoupling of economic growth from water consumption. The findings are striking, revealing that non-Muslim countries with higher Islamicity index scores outperform Muslim-majority countries and those governed by Shari’ah law in achieving water circularity. This suggests a disconnect between ethical-economic aspirations and environmental outcomes in Muslim-majority contexts.
Abu Ghunmi and her team introduce an innovative model, “CircuIslamicus,” which incorporates the Islamicity Index as a proxy for adherence to Islamic Moral Economy (IME). The model assesses whether higher Islamicity scores correlate with stronger water circularity performance. The results indicate that while there is global progress in relative decoupling, urgent policy and institutional realignment is needed to embed substance-oriented IME principles into practice.
“The findings challenge us to rethink the intersection of faith, governance, and environmental sustainability,” says Abu Ghunmi. “It’s not just about having the right policies; it’s about translating ethical principles into tangible, measurable outcomes.”
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. Water is a critical resource for energy production, from cooling power plants to hydraulic fracturing. As water scarcity becomes more acute, the ability to decouple economic growth from water consumption will be crucial for energy sector resilience and sustainability. The study’s findings suggest that integrating moral and ethical principles into water governance frameworks could offer a pathway to more sustainable water use practices.
Moreover, the research highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the role of constitutional systems in promoting water circularity. By examining the performance differences between countries governed by Shari’ah, civil, and common law, the study provides valuable insights into the institutional factors that drive or hinder progress towards water sustainability.
As the world moves towards a more circular economy, the lessons from this research could shape future developments in water governance and sustainability. By embedding ethical principles into policy and practice, the energy sector can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
In the words of Abu Ghunmi, “This is not just about water; it’s about redefining our relationship with the environment and each other. It’s about creating a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.” With the publication of this research in *Discover Sustainability*, the conversation around water governance and sustainability has taken a significant step forward, offering a roadmap for the energy sector and beyond.