Europe’s water resources are under severe pressure, according to a report from the EU’s environment agency, and a rethink of the links between the economy and the environment are needed.
The five-yearly State of Europe’s environment report, published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows significant progress has been made over the last five years in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution. But more efforts are necessary, says the report, as climate change and environmental degradation pose major risks to Europe’s economic prosperity and competitiveness, security and quality of life.
The report finds that water stress currently affects 30 per cent of Europe’s territory and 34% of the population. The agency says implementation of EU policies and objectives, as well as rethinking the links between the European economy and the environment are ‘crucial to ensure a healthy society and competitive economy’.
The EEA science-based report underlines the EU’s ‘climate leadership’ with continued reduction of its s domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fossil fuel use while remarkably increasing the share of renewables and enhancing energy efficiency.
The report shows that the EU has successfully cut GHG emissions by 37% since 1990.
It also shows good progresses being made among others in areas such as air quality, waste recycling, innovation, green employment and sustainable finance.
The EEA report suggests EU policies to improve air quality have saved lives, with a 45% reduction in premature deaths attributable to fine particulate matter from 2005 to 2022.
Following the analysis of data from 38 countries, the report gives a clear call to action to continue restoring Europe’s nature, protecting biodiversity and cutting pollution as the overall state of Europe’s environment needs further improvement. Protecting natural resources, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and reducing pollution will contribute to Europe’s resilience.
The Commission says the European Union has been taking measures to address these challenges and continues its work towards a clean, sustainable and resilient continent staying the course to our climate and environmental goals.
