THE (HUMAN) NATURE OF THE PROBLEM

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European research takes the plunge

Since their launch in 1984, the framework research programmes have tackled the role of water in the environment and in society. This research contributes not only to promoting good water management from the technological and institutional points of view but also to developing a sound water knowledge base and an awareness of its political dimensions and of the necessity to actively protect the viability of our aquatic ecosystem. With a better understanding of the context and impact of global change, the aim is to identify ambitious objectives in order to develop new concepts and tools.

Therefore, in the Sixth Framework Programme (2002-2006), European environmental research has given priority to the development of new knowledge, strategies and instruments to reduce the impact of global change, including climate change, on water resources in Europe and elsewhere.

By launching its European Water Initiative as part of the Millennium Development Objectives, the European Union has ensured the inclusion of a “research” component with the aim of improving scientific co-operation on integrated water resource management and sustainable access to potable water and sanitary installations.

THE SEVENTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME

The aim of this Seventh Programme (2007-2013) is to emphasise the role of research in a knowledge-based economy by promoting innovation and the competitiveness of European industry.

Environmental research alone, including on climate change, has received a budget of 1.9 billion euros for a period of seven years. One of its major objectives is to promote research in the private sector. A series of technology platforms managed by the industrial world has been supported for this purpose. Of these it is appropriate to emphasise the role of the “Water Supply and Sanitation Technology Platform” (WSSTP).

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH WATER ARE GLOBAL AND CALL FOR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

Some of the objectives of the Seventh Framework Programme are better understanding of the potential impact of global change and climate changes on water resources and therefore on European policies and the complete integration of international scientific co-operation into the research activities.

By developing tools and technologies for the monitoring, prevention or reduction of environmental pressures, the European Union should acquire the means to adapt to this new context and to preserve the sustainability of the environment and of water resources. These actions are supplemented by the development of a policy of dissemination of the results to the benefit of the entire Community.

THE WSSTP

This platform is a discussion and debate mechanism for participants from the industrial sector, the academic world and civil society with the aim of reinforcing the potential for technological innovation and the competitiveness of the European water industry, of water experts and of research institutes. It defines a common technological and scientific research programme and a realistic implementation plan.

Four major challenges requiring targeted research activities and real applications via pilot programmes have been identified:

• the increase in tensions between supply and demand as well as water costs.
• the urbanisation and management of the water cycle and its infrastructure in the city.
• extreme phenomena such as floods or droughts.
• the supply and treatment of water in rural and development areas.

THE JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE: Today's science at the service of tomorrow's environment

The European Commission has its own science department, the Joint Research Centre. Its mission is to provide scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of European policies. Water initiatives implemented in this way enable better control of certain phenomena associated with climate change. Some examples?

Early warning and monitoring of floods and drought in Europe

Common methodologies and information systems which anticipate phenomena associated with storms have been developed on a European scale in order to prevent natural disasters associated with exceptional rainy periods. It has become possible, for example, to trigger warnings three to ten days in advance for the majority of cross-border catchment areas.

A european drought observatory

Managed by the Joint Research Centre, the European Drought Observatory’s mission is to provide timely information on conditions indicating periods of drought. Amongst other things, the Observatory already enables daily monitoring of the humidity level of the soil in Europe in collaboration with national and regional authorities.

An aid to the rehabilitation of european seas

This project concerns the excess of nutrients threatening the ecological equilibrium of European waters. Thanks to the Joint Research Centre, green tides and the proliferation of phytoplankton, which affect the appearance and disappearance of fish, can be monitored by measuring the concentration of chlorophyll via satellite.

Global Productivity of the ocean in terms of CO₂ absorption

The Joint Research Centre has developed a computer programme to enable monitoring of the biomass and of the carbon production by European oceans and seas by analysing the optical properties of marine surfaces.

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