The European Environment Agency, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, released a report on the 29th pointing out that although Europe has made significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, the overall environmental situation is not optimistic. In particular, the natural environment continues to suffer from degradation, overexploitation, and biodiversity loss, trends that will pose major risks to Europe's economic prosperity, security, and residents' quality of life.
The report, titled 'The European Environment 2025,' states that due to unsustainable production and consumption patterns, the biodiversity of Europe's terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems continues to decline and is expected to worsen in the future. Europe's water resources are under severe pressure, with about one-third of Europe's population and territory facing the risk of water shortages. In addition, Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world, with climate change advancing at an alarming rate, threatening security, public health, ecosystems, infrastructure, and economic development.
The report urges European countries to accelerate the transformation of production and consumption systems through policy pathways such as the European Green Deal, achieve economic decarbonization, circular use, and pollution reduction, and promote nature-based solutions to enhance social resilience, reduce dependence on energy and raw material imports, and drive green innovation.
Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, said that European countries must not weaken their ambition on climate, environment, and sustainable development. This environmental status report clearly highlights the necessity of linking scientific knowledge with action. The actions taken now will determine Europe’s future.
The European Environment Agency publishes an environmental status report every five years. 'The European Environment 2025' is the seventh report released since 1995.