The European Environment Agency has recently released a report warning of the growing health hazards posed by emerging waterborne diseases and pollution as a result of climate change. This issue is being closely covered by journalist Leonie Cater for POLITICO.
The report specifically focuses on the thawing permafrost in northern Europe, which is expected to release pathogens and pollutants into the environment. This has raised concerns about the safety of food and water supplies in the region. The health risks associated with this phenomenon are significant, with concerns about ciguatera poisoning from contaminated fish and anthrax outbreaks among reindeer on the rise due to climate impacts.
Scientists warn that as pathogens, some potentially ancient, are released from the thawing permafrost, there is a risk of diseases unknown to modern medicine or thought to have been eradicated reappearing in the environment. Additionally, the release of pollutants like heavy metals and toxic chemicals previously locked within the ice could contaminate soil and waterways, posing a threat to agricultural productivity and drinking water quality.
Chief of the European Environment Agency, Leena Ylä-Mononen, emphasizes the importance and urgency of protecting human lives and health from the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, and worsened water quality. The European Environment Agency is calling for immediate and comprehensive implementation of existing climate, water, and health policies to address these risks. This issue is a reminder of the urgent need for action to address the impacts of climate change on public health and the environment.
