GEOGRAPHICAL EQUITY AND REGIONAL RESOURCE-MANAGEMENT - WATER MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

In this paper I critically engage with the concept of geographical equ ity in order to reexamine notions of sustainable development and envir onmental justice. Although asserting a need to examine geographical eq uity considerations in greater detail in respect of the current enviro nmental debate, it is argued that these always need to be examined in parallel with other dimensions of equity which underpin both sustainab le development and environmental justice. Using the case of water mana gement in southern California during the 20th century, I examine examp les of intraregional and interregional cost transference which arise f rom water exports to meet urban development demands. Although clear ev idence of cost transference exists, the most appropriate practical mea ns for reducing or compensating these remains unclear.