Europe’s Rivers are about to Change. But for once, that’s Good News
Message provided by Coca-Cola Europe
Ask most Europeans when they last read some good news and you might find they can’t remember. As Europe and the rest of the world continue to battle COVID19, it’s not often that we hear some positive and uplifting news. Particularly about the environment.
But this month, that changed. In a decision that has been warmly welcomed by environmental groups, businesses and hundreds of thousands of concerned citizens across the EU, there was some finally something to celebrate. The Commission confirmed that the EU’s Water Framework Directive is fit-for-purpose and will not be changed.
What does that mean? And why should we be celebrating?
In a nutshell, it means that one of the EU’s most ambitious pieces of environmental legislation ever will be left in tact. And that’s great news for Europe’s rivers, lakes and wetlands.
It means that member states will now work together to restore the EU’s freshwater ecosystems. By 2027 at the very latest, the EU must ensure 100% of its freshwater ecosystems are in good health.
Working together to meet this target is vital if we are to safeguard the supply of water in the EU, stop and reverse the decline in biodiversity and tackle climate change.
Coca-Cola, along with over 25 other companies, has been actively involved in pressing for the EU Water Framework Directive not to be “watered down”.
We all wanted to get on with implementing this vital piece of legislation. Not constantly debating its merits.
That’s because, not only does the Directive set out a much needed deadline for taking action and delivering results, it’s also galvanized support from business, NGOs and citizens who want to see change.
We all know that things have to change. And they have to change fast.
We need freshwater to survive. Yet only 40% of the EU’s rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands are healthy enough to support people and nature. In fact, we only have 2% of that freshwater to live and use for agriculture. That has to change.
How we think about water about water has to change too. COVID19 has really brought that home to us.
We may think nothing of turning on the tap to wash our hands for 20 seconds to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
But a single 20 second hand wash uses nearly two litres of water. Which means washing your hands 10 times a day simply isn’t an option for those living in countries suffering from drought. And, increasingly, that means the EU, as severe heat waves and droughts become more frequent during the summer months.
That’s why powerful and effective legislation on water in the EU has never been needed so much as it is today.
At Coca-Cola, we see water as a shared resource. We know it must be treated with respect and handled carefully.
Reducing the water we use, recycling it and giving back more than we use in production are fundamental in how we think and behave as a business.
But there is still an enormous mountain to climb for all of us – businesses, governments, NGOs and citizens - if we’re to protect our most precious resource.
This Directive gives us a clear and timely impetus to make the changes we need to see happen.
Working together, we can make sure that Europe’s rivers, lakes and wetlands look completely different in seven years’ time.
But for once, that will be good, not bad news!