Remediation of eutrophic water bodies: A nature-based solution for climate mitigation and green finance

This white paper highlights the overlooked role of eutrophic lakes, reservoirs, and ponds as major methane emitters exceeding the combined emissions of international aviation and shipping. It argues for recognizing remediation of eutrophic water bodies as a distinct activity under the EU Taxonomy. The paper reviews scientific evidence on mitigation potential (0.7–3 Gt CO₂e annually), outlines ecological and human health co-benefits, and presents a policy and finance roadmap to mobilize green capital. By restoring oxygen and nutrient cycles, eutrophic water remediation delivers measurable climate mitigation, supports biodiversity, secures water quality, and advances circular economy objectives. Recognizing this activity within EU sustainable finance frameworks would close a critical blind spot and align science, policy, and investment toward resilient freshwater ecosystems.