It says action is needed on emissions, waste, pollution and biodiversity loss, adding that solutions can be found, through focusing on an “economy” circular economy” and sustainable infrastructure.
Incoming call on the ninth day Environment for the European Ministerial Conferenceextended to Friday, in the report issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
“Findings about this evaluate, evaluate, evaluate almost halfway Agenda 2030should be a wake-up call for the region,” speak Head of UNECE Olga Algayerova. “The historic drought faced by the region this summer, has announced what we should expect in the coming years and shows that there is no more time to lose.”
Fight against air pollution
Despite some progress, the report notes that Air pollution remains the biggest health risk in the area.
Although 41 European countries have recorded a 13% reduction in premature deaths due to long-term exposure to fine particles, concentrations continue to exceed 2005 World Health Organization (WHO) levels.WHO) air quality guide.
The assessment calls for additional measures, including the best strategies available to cut emissions and reduce emissions from traffic.
The UNEP chief said: “The science is clear. Inger Andersen. “The only way forward is to ensure a green and clean future.”
Reduce greenhouse gas
Although greenhouse gas emissions fell in the Western region of Europe – mainly between 2014 and 2019 – they were offset by increases across the rest of the region.
And while renewable energy use rose sharply in 29 countries between 2013 and 2017, the region remains largely fossil fuel-based, accounting for about 78% of energy consumption.
The report encourages governments to eliminate or reform harmful subsidies and develop incentives to accelerate decarbonization by shifting investment to renewable energy.
Time for a plan
According to the report, the region’s river basins, lakes and aquifers are under a lot of pressure – with climate change bringing additional challenges such as floods, droughts and water-borne diseases.
As pollution as well as municipal and industrial wastewater discharge remain public health concerns, report advocating for water conservation and nature-based solutions for water retention basins.
“We knew what we needed to do and we had to act together,” Ms. Andersen said. “As people feel the pinch and are facing ever-higher energy bills, when they see record temperatures and their reservoirs shrink… nations must show that there is plan”.
Children clean Praia da Poça, a popular small beach at the tip of the Estoril – Cascais coast, in Portugal.
Round economy
A more efficient and circular economy – where production and consumption are sustainable and focused on resource efficiency – will help address the growing problem of resource use and waste.
Even with strong political commitment to a circular economy, such as in the European Union and other Western European countries, waste generation continues to increase.
In response, the report calls on governments to step up the fight against waste in production, consumption and reproductionincluding through financial incentives such as tax breaks and advocating that a pan-European e-waste management partnership will allow for the recovery of valuable resources.
Meanwhile, mining activity has tripled in the last half-century, with processing accounting for more than 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress and about 50% of the impacts of climate change. climate.
Developing a circular economy, regional governments can strengthen the management of raw materials.
“As highlighted in the report, the UN has developed a variety of tools and approaches to cut pollution, promote environmental protection, reduce resource use, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. . Ms. Algayerova reminded that their implementation must be sped up significantly.
“This will require urgent and bold political commitment and behavior change from all of us before it’s too late.”
Clean air is essential to the health of people all over the world.
Infrastructure development
During the post-COVID recovery, sustainable infrastructure investment has proven to have a big impact.
However, most countries have yet to develop mechanisms that incorporate sustainability, such as the costs of pollution, ecosystem services or biodiversity protection – into cost-benefit analysis. of major infrastructure projects. The United Nations report offers tools to help remedy this.
“This assessment can be a guide to reducing emissions, a healthier environment for people and nature, and better waste management and cleaner air,” said Ms. Andersen.
