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More than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Because life on Earth began in water, it is unsurprising that all living organisms on our blue planet require water. Water is a necessity, a home, a local and global resource, a transportation corridor, and a climate regulator, among other things. Over the previous two centuries, it has also become the destination for numerous contaminants dumped into the environment, as well as a newly discovered mineral-rich mine to be exploited. We must fundamentally modify how we use and treat water if we are to continue to enjoy the benefits of clean water and healthy oceans and rivers.
“Water quality is matter
Europe has achieved great progress in regulating water quality, managing waste water, and safeguarding marine and freshwater habitats and species over the last four decades. Drinking water, urban waste water, habitat protection, marine protected areas designation, and bathing water quality are all addressed by EU laws, as are floods, single-use plastics, industrial emissions, and limitations on the use of dangerous chemicals. Overarching programmes and regulations, such as the Seventh Environment Action Programme, the Water Framework Directive, and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, enhance these specific pieces of EU legislation.
Many marine fish stocks have been overfished, putting entire fish species at risk. Invasive alien species spread by ship or through canals, putting local species in jeopardy. Plastic-dominated marine trash can be found all across the planet, from the Arctic to isolated Pacific islands. Unfortunately, even if we prevent new contaminants from entering water bodies, we will be left with the legacy of all toxins discharged into water decades or centuries ago, as in the instance of mercury. Our releases will leave a legacy for future generations.
“Coping with scarcity and excess”
Europe has abundant freshwater resources in comparison to many other parts of the world. These resources, however, are not dispersed equitably over the continent. According to our calculations, nearly a third of EU territory is subject to water stress, which occurs when demand exceeds available supply for a period of time.
Climate change is expected to have an influence on water supply in Europe, putting extra strain on already-stressed southern regions. Flooding is anticipated to become more common in other parts of Europe, while storm surges and sea level rise threaten low-lying areas.Cities and regions are leading the way on the ground, implementing measures such as leakage reduction and water reuse, as well as introducing blue and green zones into urban areas to reduce flooding risks and water damage.
Freshwater is used extensively in some vital economic sectors, such as agriculture. Agricultural activities may account for more than 50% of water demand in regions of southern Europe during the spring and summer months. Similarly, major tourist locations, such as small Mediterranean islands, may be required to provide water for thousands of people, putting significant strain on already precious water supplies.
“A local and global resource”
Non-local users are not the only ones who put a strain on local water resources. Consumers may access natural resources from all around the world, including water, thanks to global trade. Water needed in cultivating the vines and manufacturing the wine is also ‘exported’ by French wine to China. Similarly, ‘virtual water’ is imported into Europe with commodities.
Water is a local resource in many ways. Water quantity and quality changes have a direct impact on the surrounding environment and inhabitants. Water, on the other hand, is a global body – a common benefit shared by everyone and everything in our world. Water flows across borders and physically and culturally connects continents.Because many major bodies of water are interrelated, a local issue can become one of many contributing factors to a larger issue. In contrast, a global issue such as plastics or rising ocean temperatures can have more severe local consequences.
Water’s local-to-global character necessitates collaboration and governance frameworks that fit the scope of the problem. Many EU initiatives on freshwater and the marine environment emphasise regional and global cooperation, which is unsurprising. The EU participates actively in governance institutions ranging from the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations to regional cooperation mechanisms such as the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River or the OSPAR Commission for the North-East Atlantic.Non-state actors, such as significant fishing businesses, have been appropriately involved in governance systems in recent years to ensure sustainable use of water resources.
Faced with increasing demands from competing users, it is evident that the only way to ensure the long-term sustainability of water and its resources is through efficiency, innovation, waste prevention (e.g., leakage reduction), reusing, and recycling – all critical components of a circular economy. In reality, when we conserve one resource, such as water, we conserve all other resources as well.
Conclusion
Environmental data is used by the European Environment Agency. Different data sources, in-depth and systematic analysis, and strong coordination with networks and institutions are all required for a complex and interconnected topic like water. Over the previous four decades, Member States have built substantial monitoring institutions in accordance with EU legislation and reporting requirements.This knowledge will be crucial in developing future water strategies. The Water Framework Directive and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive are two significant pieces of water legislation that are now being reviewed and may be altered. Given the importance of water in all parts of our life, a more comprehensive policy approach will aid us in protecting and preserving what makes our world special.
