Water is an essential resource – so important that neither humans nor many other living organisms can live without it. However, a recent report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) has raised concerns about water quality in Europe. If no action is taken, the situation could worsen, and it may end up affecting millions of people.
For businesses, especially agribusinesses, it shows how important it is to focus on sustainable agriculture practices. Such businesses can use ESG reporting tools to understand how they might be causing water pollution in Europe.
The alarming state of water quality in Europe
A report by the EEA shows that only 37% of European surface water is in good ecological condition. What’s alarming is that only 29% of surface water meets acceptable chemical standards. Groundwaters – which supply much of drinking water – fare better with 77% acceptable chemical health. But there’s still significant room for improvement.
According to EEA, good chemical health is defined as water that’s free from harmful pollutants like perfluorinated alkylated substances and microplastics. Both of these materials cause serious environmental and health issues.
The role of agriculture in water pollution
The report highlights how emissions from burnt coal and vehicles, as well as runoff from agriculture in the EU, are major contributors causing lower water quality. Fertilizers, pesticides, and excessive waste from unsustainable agricultural practices seep into both soil and water. This, in turn, causes both land and water pollution in the EU.
The EEA urges the European agriculture sector to turn towards more sustainable farming in the EU. By doing this, this sector can reduce its negative impact on water quality. To better manage and mitigate these impacts, companies can use an ESG reporting tool. This tool not only helps companies meet regulatory requirements but also supports their efforts to align with sustainable agriculture in the EU.
Related Articles: Our World of Water: What We’ve Done — and Haven’t | Sustainable Agriculture in the EU: Research and Innovation at Heart
The business imperative for ESG solutions
For SMEs, the worsening water pollution in Europe presents not only an environmental challenge but also a business one. Now that regulatory pressure is also increasing, companies will need to prove their sustainability credentials. That’s why they should use tools to asses their ESG score and generate ESG reports.
By using this ESG reporting solution, businesses can track how their water usage aligns with sustainability goals. So whether your company operates within the agriculture industry or any other sector, understanding your ESG metrics is crucial to staying competitive and compliant in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
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This article is referenced from European Environment Agency Sounds Alarm on Water Quality in Europe by Greek City Times
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: GWizUK
