Balancing equity and efficiency in transboundary water systems with Atkinson’s welfare function (opens in new tab)

Water resources optimization conventionally maximizes system-wide efficiency, treating distributional equity as secondary. Here we present a framework that directly incorporates equity into optimization using Atkinson’s inequality measure. This approach makes distributional value judgements transparent through a single, interpretable inequality aversion parameter that spans principles from utilitarian efficiency to Rawlsian justice, enabling stakeholders to negotiate between efficiency and fa...