Editor’s choice
Editor’s choice
Good water quality is crucial to human health, social and economic development as well as the functioning of ecosystems. Despite restrictions on polluting activities and enhanced wastewater management, progress on improving water quality in the EU has been slow. Income is often seen as a major driver of human impact on water quality. However, it is unclear whether simply raising income levels will be sufficient for solving water quality problems.
This study investigates the relationship between water quality and income within the EU. It examines twenty EU countries across 17 years, 1998 to 2014. Spatial econometrics are used to account for spillovers between countries. Furthermore, the authors account for the role of human and livestock population size, institutional quality and economic openness for water quality.
Results show an inverted relationship between income and water quality. Eight out of twenty countries have income levels associated with deteriorating water quality. Ultimately, improved governance and economic openness positively affect water quality.
Feature / Key insights from a new SEI report on wastewater in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with author Daniel Ddiba.
SEI report / Sweden’s experience offers relevant insights for Bosnia and Herzegovina on how to make wastewater management more effective and sustainable.
Event on 23 June – 26 June in Visby / Join SEI experts for the annual Swedish political forum in Visby, as they share their insights on security, AI, climate, energy, oceans and industry transition.
