We cannot paint a complete picture of what a world two or four degrees warmer would be like. We don't know exactly where the critical thresholds will be for all ecosystems. However, we know that the picture is not positive and time flies as long as we do not take decisive steps and aim to realize systemic transitions. We hope that the pandemic can be brought under control in a relatively short time. Any damage caused by reaching the critical threshold in climate change or nature degradation can be much more difficult to reverse.
The links between these fast and slow-moving crises and pollution are clear. Reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are almost always closely related. Controlling water and soil pollution benefits nature. Reducing resource use and switching to a circular economy will also reduce pollution.
Many health officials have warned that citizens who already have certain health conditions may be more vulnerable to COVID-19. These problems include respiratory diseases, which in some cases are caused or exacerbated by poor air quality.
As a result of the stringent measures taken under curfews, some of the major air pollutants have decreased significantly in many European cities. Such shocks were undesirable, which is not exemplary for a well-managed transition; however, they have shown that air quality in cities can be significantly improved by reducing vehicular traffic and changing the way we currently move around.
People and the institutions we build are equipped to deal effectively with obvious and present dangers. Uncertain, invisible, or slow-moving disasters are more difficult for us to understand and overcome.
Pollution is one of these challenges.
In most parts of Europe, the air does not look, feel, smell or taste unclean. Yet each year, poor air quality causes about half a million Europeans to die prematurely. It is generally safe to drink tap water in Europe. We can enjoy fishing and swimming in most of our rivers, lakes and coastal areas. Yet most of Europe's water supplies are not in good condition. Europe's lands are still suffering from pollution from decades or hundreds of years ago.
It is clear what the problems are; however, we should not forget that actions and policies aimed at combating pollution make a difference. The number of Europeans dying prematurely as a result of poor air quality is less than half of the levels in the early 1990s. European industry is getting cleaner with fewer emissions to air and water. Advanced wastewater treatment applications are increasingly involving the community. Our farming practices are evolving slowly.
Yet we can and should do so much more. This will require better implementation of existing policies, as well as ambitious targets that point the way to climate neutrality, zero pollution, circular economy, healthy nature, and social justice in this important sustainability transition.
According to a study by the European Environment Agency (EEA), our unsustainable production and consumption systems, particularly in the areas of food, mobility, and energy, are at the center of the challenges we face on the path to sustainability, including pollution. These systems are deeply embedded in our lifestyle and cannot be changed overnight, but we must move in the right direction and our aspirations must be in line with our abilities.
For the first time in modern history, we have the means to generate heat and electricity, move around and grow food without harmful pollution. We no longer need to accept pollution affecting people and the environment as an inevitable side effect of progress.
Europe has shown that we can make progress with strong and enforceable legislation. When harmful technologies are banned, we find better ways to do things. Increasing knowledge and putting a high enough price tag on pollution has proven to work. There are many policy tools to choose from, and as long as the ambitions are right, people will find ways to move in the right direction.
“Never again…” is a phrase that man has to say to himself all too often. However, the belief not to repeat the mistakes of the past and not to allow the same tragedies to occur has also led to the emergence of movements and institutions such as the European Union that protect individuals and make our societies stronger.
The “Next Generation EU” rescue package aims to remedy the economic and social damage brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. The package is about reinventing our economy and society in a way that respects future generations, our future, and the limits of our planet, and ensures the long-term well-being of people. It has clearly demonstrated that Europe is now facing environmental challenges of unprecedented level and urgency. We must act urgently in the next ten years to protect the environment, climate, and people.