“Europe’s Environmental Crisis: Biodiversity Loss, Climate Change, and Health Risks on the Rise”

Europe is facing persistent challenges in various environmental areas, including biodiversity loss, resource use, climate change impacts, and environmental risks to health and well-being. Despite efforts to implement policy measures aimed at nature protection, many problems persist and some are even worsening.

For instance, while reduced pollution has led to improved water quality in the European Union, only 40% of the continent’s surface waters had achieved good ecological status by 2015. Additionally, landscape fragmentation continues to increase, damaging habitats and biodiversity. A staggering 75% of Europe’s ecosystem area is exposed to excessive nitrogen levels, leading to eutrophication. The impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems are expected to intensify, as activities like agriculture, fisheries, transport, industry, and energy production continue to contribute to biodiversity loss, resource extraction, and harmful emissions.

Although progress has been made in reducing air pollution from various sources, over 10% of annual premature human deaths in the EU are still linked to environmental pollution. Furthermore, evidence shows that citizens’ health is being adversely affected by hazardous chemicals.

Looking ahead to 2030, it is clear that the current rate of progress will not be enough to meet the climate and energy targets set for that year and beyond. Europe has made strides in resource efficiency and the circular economy, with material consumption remaining stable and resource efficiency improving as GDP has increased. Total EU water abstraction has decreased by 15% between 2000 and 2019.

In line with the European Green Deal, Europe has committed to becoming a climate-neutral continent by 2050. To achieve this goal and address the sustainability challenges facing the region, a complete transformation of key systems is necessary. This includes changing the way food is produced, goods are manufactured and consumed, cities are built, and nature’s resilience is enhanced to prepare for the impacts of climate change.