Paris Olympic Triathlon Postponed Due to Poor Water Quality

Professor David Hannah, Chair-holder for the UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences at the University of Birmingham and Director of the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action, has highlighted the pressing issue of global river water pollution following the postponement of the Men's Triathlon at the Paris Olympics. The event was delayed due to poor water quality in the River Seine, drawing attention to what Professor Hannah describes as the "invisible water crisis."

"Postponing the Men's Triathlon at the Paris Olympics because of poor water quality in the River Seine shines a light on the ‘invisible water crisis’ of global river water pollution," Professor Hannah stated. He emphasised that water quality issues often go unnoticed compared to the more visible impacts of floods and droughts. "We must raise awareness and act on growing anthropogenic pressures that threaten sustainable provision of clean freshwater for humans and ecosystems alike," he urged.

Recent international reports have shown worrying trends in river water pollution, underscoring that water quality issues are both global and persistent. Professor Hannah stressed the need for the latest scientific thinking and data to address this crisis. "Resolving the water pollution crisis requires the latest scientific thinking and data sources. We must empower decision makers across different levels of governance to act and regulate more smartly, whilst encouraging international cooperation and data/knowledge sharing between places at different levels of economic development," he explained.

For those concerned about water quality, the publishers of this website would highly recommend attending the WWEM water monitoring event. WWEM will take place at the NEC in Birmingham in October and will provide a platform for discussion and solutions regarding water quality issues. More information about the event can be found on the WWEM home page.