Europe must reduce emissions, waste, pollution and biodiversity loss

a new report of the UN presented to the highest pan-European body of environmental policy of the United Nations, which covers 54 countries, calls for greater commitments and measures to face the triple environmental crisis that devastates the planet: climate change, the loss of biodiversity and pollution.

Those 54 countries have to reduce emissions, waste, pollution and biodiversity loss, says the report, adding that solutions can be found, focusing on a “circular economy” and sustainable infrastructure.

The call came during the ninth Ministerial Conference on the Environment for Europe, which runs until Friday, in the report prepared by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

“The conclusions of this evaluation, almost halfway through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, should be a wake-up call for the region,” said the head of the UN body, Olga Algayerova. “The historic drought that the region faced this summer heralded what we should expect in the coming years and shows that there is no more time to waste.”

Fight against air pollution

Despite some progress, the report notes that air pollution remains the biggest health risk in the region.

Although 41 European countries recorded a 13% reduction in premature deaths from long-term exposure to fine particles, concentration levels continue to exceed the 2005 World Health Organization air quality guidelines.

The assessment calls for additional measures, including best available strategies to cut emissions and reduce emissions from road traffic.

“The science is unequivocal,” said the agency’s director for the environment, Inger Andersen. “The only way forward is to secure a clean and green future.”

Reduce greenhouse gases

Although greenhouse gas emissions have decreased in the western part of Europe -especially between 2014 and 2019-, they are being offset by increases in the rest of the region.

And although the use of renewable energy increased in 29 countries between 2013 and 2017, the region remains heavily dependent on fossil fuelswhich represent about 78% of energy consumption.

The report encourages governments to eliminate or reform harmful subsidies and to develop incentives to promote decarbonization by reorienting investments towards renewable energies.

Water: It’s time for a plan

According to the report, the region’s river basins, lakes and aquifers are under multiple pressures, with climate change posing additional challenges such as floods, droughts and waterborne diseases.

As urban and industrial wastewater pollution and discharges continue to be a public health concern, the report advocates greater water conservation and nature-based solutions for water retention basins.

“We know what we have to do, and we must act together,” Andersen said. “As citizens feel the pinch and face higher than ever energy bills, as they see record temperatures and their water reservoirs shrink…countries must show there is a plan.”

circular economy

A more efficient and circular economy, in which production and consumption are mutually supportive and focus on resource efficiency, will help tackle rising waste and resource use.

Even where there is a strong political commitment to the circular economy, such as in the European Union and other Western European countries, the waste generated continues to grow.

In response, the report urges governments to step up waste prevention in production, consumption and remanufacturing, including through financial incentives such as tax relief, and argues that a pan-European e-waste management association would reclaim valuable resources.

In the meantime, mineral extractions have tripled in the last half century, and its processing is responsible for more than 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress, as well as about 50% of the impacts of climate change.

By developing the circular economy, regional governments could strengthen the management of raw materials.

“As highlighted in the report, the UN has developed multiple tools and approaches to reduce pollution, enhance environmental protection, reduce resource use and foster the shift to a circular economy. Their implementation needs to be significantly accelerated,” he recalled. Algayerova.

“This will require an urgent and bold political commitment, and behavior changes by all of us before it’s too late.

Children cleaning Praia da Poça, a small and popular beach at the beginning of the Estoril – Cascais coast, in Portugal.

Develop the infrastructure

During the post-crisis recovery, investing in sustainable infrastructure has been shown to have a big impact.

However, most countries have not yet developed mechanisms that incorporate sustainability -such as the cost of pollution, ecosystem services or the protection of biodiversity- in the cost-benefit analysis of large infrastructure projects. UN report offers tools to help remedy it.

“This assessment can serve as a guide to reduce emissions, achieve a healthier environment for people and nature, and improve waste management and cleaner air,” Andersen said.