North Sea

The North Sea, a body of water bordering several European countries, is currently newsworthy due to a combination of environmental and energy-related developments. A recent agreement between the UK and nine other European nations aims to transform the North Sea into a "clean energy reservoir" by constructing a 100GW offshore wind power grid. This involves building wind farms connected to multiple countries via subsea cables. However, the North Sea also faces significant pollution challenges, with research revealing that thousands of tonnes of litter, including toxic materials like heavy metals and microplastics, are entering the sea annually via the Rhine River. In contrast, efforts are underway to restore the North Sea's ecosystem, exemplified by a project on the Norfolk coast focused on restoring oyster populations. These diverse developments highlight the North Sea's current relevance as a site of both environmental concern and renewable energy potential.