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Rivers Under Pressure: The Impact of Agriculture on Europe’s Rivers: A Call for Sustainable Practices
Agriculture, while vital for ensuring our food security and economic stability, is not without consequences. Its footprint extends beyond our plates, affecting the environment in various ways, from soil health and groundwater quality to the preservation of biodiversity. A recent study led by the University of Duisburg-Essen sheds light on how different agricultural practices contribute to the ecological state of rivers in Europe, raising important questions about the sustainability of current farming methods.
The Alarming State of European Rivers
The study reveals a sobering reality — only 40 percent of rivers in Europe and less than ten percent in Germany are in a good, near-natural state. With agriculture being a major land use category, questions arise regarding its role in this concerning trend. The research team, spearheaded by UDE scientist Christian Schürings, delved into data from 27 European countries, connecting agricultural land use to the ecological status of flowing waters, including iconic rivers like the Ruhr, Rhine, and Scheldt.
