Brian MacSharry’s Post

🇪🇺#Europe's State of 💦#Water 2024: Need for Improved #WaterResilience Key messages of the European Environment Agency's report (https://lnkd.in/eX2_pmb6): 💧 Europe's water is under significant pressure, presenting serious challenges to #WaterSecurity. Europe urgently needs to improve its #resilience and ensure #sustainable #freshwater supplies for people and the environment. 💧 #WaterStress is already occurring in the #EuropeanUnion. It affects 20% of Europe's territory and 30% of the population every year, figures that are likely to increase in the future due to climate change. 💧 As #climatechange unfolds in Europe, managing #flood #risk affordably and sustainably will become increasingly important. 💧 #Status of water: The deadline set by the #WaterFrameworkDirective (#WFD) for European #rivers, #lakes, #transitional, #coastal and #groundwaters to meet good status was 2015. That was not met and there has been little improvement since 2010. In 2021, only 37% of Europe's surface water bodies achieved a good or high ecological status. 29% achieved a good chemical status. ➡️ For more on #ClimateRisks and #ClimateResilence also regarding water, please see Centrum für Europäische Politik: https://lnkd.in/gs-8XXgE ➡️ For more on the law and policy regarding #transbounday #watercooperation in the #EuropeanUnion: https://lnkd.in/ejezbBAx.

European waters are not in good condition, according to a study summarised by the European Environment Agency (EEA): https://lnkd.in/eQkbBdXQ The pressure from habitat degradation is still very high, i.e. the self-dynamic development and rehabilitation of water bodies is particularly important. Nature restoration or reconnecting rivers and their floodplains and restoring wetlands and peatlands can lead to healthier, biodiverse freshwater ecosystems, which can supply good quality water while also storing carbon and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events. 

The latest "Europe's State of Water 2024" report by the European Environment Agency was released today, which addresses the critical challenges facing European water management. With a focus on reclaiming water—especially for agricultural use, the main driver of water pollution—this report emphasizes the urgent need for improved water resilience. The report highlights three key areas: 💧 Protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems ✅ Achieving zero pollution goals 🏜 Adapting to water scarcity, drought, and flood risks As the report indicates, the health of Europe's waters is under significant threat. At Bluephage, we contribute to this effort by providing tools for detecting viral contamination, helping to ensure the safety and sustainability of reclaimed water, and protecting the environment. This is crucial for reducing pollution and safeguarding water resources for future generations. Let's work together towards a cleaner, more resilient water future! https://lnkd.in/dUkiAwUq

Without being alarmist, this report should be taken seriously. About time we pay even greater attention to water resilience as we do with energy resilience. “Almost two-thirds of Europe’s surface water, such as lakes and rivers, were not in a good ecological state, the agency said, with countries including Sweden, Germany and Poland among the worst affected.” #waterresilience #environment #watertechnologies #urbansolutions

Almost two-thirds of Europe's surface water, including lakes and rivers, are not in a good ecological state, according to a recent report. Countries like Sweden, Germany, and Poland are among the worst affected. The European Environment Agency highlights the need for agriculture and industry to reduce pollution and decrease their 59% share of water use to address the pressing issue. The report also emphasizes that rising stress on water supply poses risks to industries such as textiles and agriculture, while exacerbating the impacts of extreme weather events. Learn more about Europe's water challenges in the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dWi_KppJ. #WaterQuality #EnvironmentalProtection #EuropeEnvironment #ClimateChange #Sustainability

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has published the State of Europe’s Water 2024 report. 📄 This document provides a comprehensive assessment of the continent’s water systems and underscores the urgent need for improved sustainability. 💧 Key findings include the deterioration of water quality and the escalating impact of climate change. Over 30% of Europeans experience water stress, a situation worsened by unsustainable agricultural practices and urban expansion. The EEA emphasizes that transboundary cooperation is essential for effective water management and stresses that water policy must transcend national boundaries, as rivers and groundwater resources are shared across Europe. Public awareness and citizen participation are also crucial. The Agency calls for greater involvement from citizens, businesses, and local authorities in water management efforts, encouraging awareness of water issues and responsible water use. You can read the full State of Europe’s Water 2024 report here: https://boo.mk/4hrwQpj #MinistryofEnvironmentandWater #EuropeanEnvironmentAgency #EuropeanWaters

🇸🇰 I live in rural, western Slovakia and discuss water related issues every day with regular folks. Here is what they are telling me. Dear Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission 🇪🇺 The undersigned ministers of the European Union member states, including Slovakia's Minister of the Environment and Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Tomáš Taraba, respectfully urge the European Parliament and Commission to recognize the escalating water crisis as a strategic priority of the utmost urgency. 💧 Clean water crisis, exemplified by the dire situation in Slovakia's Žitný ostrov, where illegal and historic waste dumps threaten a #UNESCO biosphere reserve underscores the dire consequences of inaction. This is not merely a regional concern; it is a crisis that affects the health and well-being of countless European citizens. We implore you to acknowledge that strategic decisions regarding #water are not just necessary, but essential for the stability and prosperity of the European Union. As Europe navigates economic and social challenges, it is imperative that we prioritize investments in essential infrastructure, such as sewage treatment systems and clean water access. The majority of #European rural areas lack these basic necessities, creating a breeding ground for discontent and right wing extremism. It is unconscionable that in the 21st century, the European Union permits such glaring inequalities in access to clean water. We urge you to redirect research and development funds towards projects that directly address these pressing needs, fostering a more equitable, resilient and secure Europe. The time for complacency is over. We must act decisively to protect our water resources and ensure the well-being of all future European citizens.

💧“We therefore ask you to ensure that water will be a top priority in the European agenda” ➡️21 Member-States call the European Commission to boost water security and resilience through a comprehensive approach.   📜In their letter, Ministers:    🔹Stress that “droughts, floods and water scarcity are no longer an anomaly in Europe”, quoting the European Environment Agency reports. 🔹Strengthen water management. 🔹Support knowledge, research and innovation. 🔹Promote legislative and planning coherence to better integrate water considerations. 🔹Encourage the application of Nature-Based Solutions.  🔹Invest in cross-borders infrastructure. 🔹Call for citizens and stakeholders involvement in water-related dossiers.    👏Water Europe welcomes this initiative that reinforces its vision and takes a right step towards a #WaterSmartSociety for Europe!    💧Let’s make water a strategical priority for 2024 – 2029!    🔗Find the letter here: https://lnkd.in/eD2eAaeR #Water #WaterSector #WaterResilience #WaterSecurity #WaterScarcity #WaterManagement #WaterWiseEU #ReWaterEU #Freshwater #WaterFoodNexus #WaterSmartSociety #WSS #EUBlueDeal #EUWaterStrategy #WaterStrategy #BlueTransition #GreenTransition #ResearchandInnovation #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #Droughts #Floods #Sustainability #Mitigation #Environment #Competitiveness #Agriculture #Industry #FoodSystem #HungarianPresidency Leonore Gewessler Alain Maron Maria Panayiotou Magnus Heunicke Christophe Béchu Serge Wilmes Dr. Miriam Dalli Dariusz Klimczak Maria Da Graça Carvalho Mircea Fechet Maroš Šefčovič Wopke Hoekstra    

#Water should be a top priority not only in Europe, but in the world. #climatechange affects everything and for a greener world, water is a must. #savewater #green #eu #europe

Europe's water crisis is intensifying, with poor resource management and overexploitation leading to unprecedented challenges. “If we don’t act in the next ten years, we will be reaching some tipping points, which will be irreversible,” warns Sergiy Moroz, policy manager for water and biodiversity European Environmental Bureau. Read the necessary steps the EU needs to take to avert a crisis. https://bit.ly/3AaNzwf