Water and the Green Economy: The EEA perspective 4th European Water Conference Brussels, 24 March 2015 Dr Hans Bruyninckx Executive Director, European Environment Agency

The 7th EAP: a long term vision of sustainability “In 2050, we live well, within the planet's ecological limits. Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed sustainably, and biodiversity is protected, valued and restored in ways that enhance our society's resilience. Our low-carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use, setting the pace for a global, safe and sustainable society.” Source: 7th Environment Action Programme Other EU policies offer similar perspectives: Europe 2020 Strategy, EU Energy Roadmap 2050, Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe, Roadmap for a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050, etc. 2

The Water Framework Directive Source: EEA SOER 2015 briefing on Hydrological systems and sustainable water management

GO TO ONLINE BRIEFING Freshwater quality Much cleaner than 25 years ago, many water bodies are still affected by pollutants and/or altered habitats. In 2009, only 43 % showed a good/high ecological status; the 10 points expected increase for 2015 (53 %) constitutes only a modest improvement in aquatic ecosystem health. Water management should improve with the second round of river basin management plans in 2015-16 resulting in the realisation of more policy objectives through stringent, well- integrated implementation and public participation. © Peter Kristensen, EEA Ecol. status of freshwater bodies Water quality and nutrient loading Climate change impacts on ecosystems Industrial pollution to air, soil and water Water pollution & related envi. health risks Urban systems and grey infrastructure Chemicals & related envi. health risks Water use and water stress Freshwater quality

Hydrological systems and sustainable water management GO TO ONLINE BRIEFING Hydrological systems and sustainable water management Intensive agriculture, urbanisation, energy production and flood protection have altered European hydrological systems and freshwater habitats for decades. Climate change adds to these challenges (higher water temperature, more floods or water scarcity). Less than half of all water bodies have a ‘good status’. Full and coordinated implementation of water and nature legislation would restore aquatic habitats and foster water efficiency. © Katarzyna Dąbrowska, Environment & Me /EEA Ecol. status of freshwater bodies Water quality and nutrient loading Water use and water stress

WFD – achieving good water status Source: Commission Communication 2015 ‘The Water Framework Directive and the Floods Directive: Actions towards the 'good status' of EU water and to reduce flood risks’.

Water management - investing in Natural Capital Sustainability 1st phase 1970-2000 2nd phase 2000-2015 3rd phase 2015-2050 Climate proof Green infrastructure Green/blue cities Nature based solutions Reduction at source Water/food link Water/energy link Treatment and sanitation Flood defence Drainage Water efficiency Economic instruments Water pricing Infrastructure Time

SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Green Economy: Living well within ecological limits Ecosystem services ECOSYSTEMS Policy Values Technology Science Market Industry SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Environmental externalities Withdrawals from the ecosystems Deposits Emissions Pollution system Food Energy Mobility

SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Green Economy: Living well within ecological limits ECOSYSTEMS Ecosystem services Water supply Habitats Flood retention / protection Recreation, cultural services … Withdrawals from the ecosystems SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value system Policy Industry Energy system Food system Ecosystem services Environmental externalities system system Mobility system Market Values Deposits Emissions Pollution Science Technology

SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Green Economy: Living well within ecological limits ECOSYSTEMS Values and norms Cultural Well being Historic identity Withdrawals from the ecosystems SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value system Policy Industry Energy system Food system Ecosystem services Environmental externalities system system Mobility system Market Values Deposits Emissions Pollution Science Technology

SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Green Economy: Living well within ecological limits Market dynamics Water services, supply, treatment Water price Part in overall production costs ROI from investing in natural capital ECOSYSTEMS Withdrawals from the ecosystems SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value system Policy Industry Energy system Food system Ecosystem services Environmental externalities system system Mobility system Market Values Deposits Emissions Pollution Science Technology

SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Green Economy: Living well within ecological limits Water sector Technology Process Energy Employment Competitiveness ECOSYSTEMS Withdrawals from the ecosystems SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value system Policy Industry Energy system Food system Ecosystem services Environmental externalities system system Mobility system Market Values Deposits Emissions Pollution Science Technology

SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Green Economy: Living well within ecological limits ECOSYSTEMS Technology and science ‘Water’ sector and beyond Innovation for efficiency Research for nature based solutions Patents Withdrawals from the ecosystems SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value system Policy Industry Energy system Food system Ecosystem services Environmental externalities system system Mobility system Market Values Deposits Emissions Pollution Science Technology

ECOSYSTEMS Sectors and core systems SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS Green Economy: Living well within ecological limits ECOSYSTEMS Sectors and core systems Water/energy link Smart agriculture and food consumption Inland navigation Built environment Withdrawals from the ecosystems SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value system Policy Industry Food system Energy Mobility Ecosystem services Environmental externalities system system Market Values Deposits Emissions Pollution Science Technology

SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Green Economy: Living well within ecological limits ECOSYSTEMS Withdrawals from the ecosystems SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Systemic and integrated policies Achieve “good status” not end goal Respect sustainability limits High ambition level Strong implementation system Policy Industry Food system Ecosystem services Energy system Environmental externalities system system Mobility system Market Values Deposits Emissions Pollution Science Technology

SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value Externalities Minimized Circularity Evaluated in light of overall sustainability Green Economy: Living well within ecological limits ECOSYSTEMS Withdrawals from the ecosystems SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS providing social needs and value system Policy Industry Energy system Food system Ecosystem services Environmental externalities system system Mobility system Market Values Deposits Emissions Pollution Science Technology

Eco-industries have prospered despite the recession in Europe Eco-industry value added Eco-industry employment Total EU GDP Total EU employment Source: Eurostat, 2014.

Conclusions Achieving the 2050 vision is possible but it depends on our actions and investments today. Technological, economic, and social innovations can support long-term transitions to green and blue economies. Publicly funded research has fostered many of the most important and commercially successful innovations.

Thank you Hans.Bruyninckx@eea.europa.eu Sign up to receive EEA news, reports and alerts on your areas of interest at http://eea-subscriptions.eu/subscribe eea.europa.eu

Ecological status of Europe’s rivers - WFD 1st round 7 % high 36 % good 38 % moderate 13 % poor 5 % bad Source: EEA 2012