Serious food poisoning from contaminated fish, drug-resistant bacteria emerging from melting permafrost and reindeer populations decimated by anthrax — these are just some of the looming threats to Europe as the continent’s waters warm, the European Environment Agency said in a report released Wednesday.
In its briefing, which drops as politicians begin hitting the campaign trail ahead of the European election in June, the EEA warned the EU must work harder to protect people and the environment from emerging waterborne diseases and pollution in a warming planet.
“Protecting human lives and health from the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods and worsened water quality is of utmost importance and urgency,” said EEA chief Leena Ylä-Mononen in a statement.
The report comes amid uncertainty around the future of the European Green Deal, following farmers’ protests and industry complaints about “red tape” ahead of next month’s election.
