Europe is increasingly vulnerable to extreme climate events and is ill-prepared to handle them, according to a groundbreaking report by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The agency’s first-ever climate risk assessment highlights a surge in wildfires, droughts, unusual rainfall patterns, and flooding across the continent.
Leena Ylä-Mononen, the EEA’s executive director, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “These climate risks are growing faster than our societal preparedness.” The report identifies 36 significant climate risks affecting ecosystems, economies, health, and food systems, with more than half requiring immediate action. Eight risks demand urgent attention, including protecting populations from heatwaves, floods, wildfires, conserving ecosystems, and ensuring disaster relief funds are available.
The report reveals that Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, heating up twice as quickly as other regions since the 1980s. This rapid warming has intensified rainfall and flooding, with projections indicating decreased rainfall and more severe droughts in southern Europe. Without prompt and decisive measures, many of these climate risks could reach catastrophic levels.
The EEA recommends enhanced collaboration between the European Union, member states, regional, and local bodies to mitigate climate risks and improve adaptation strategies. Manon Dufour, Brussels director for climate think tank E3G, described the report as “a huge wake-up call” that could significantly influence climate policy at both European and national levels.
While progress has been made in understanding and preparing for climate risks—such as managing coastal flooding and heat-related health risks—experts warn that more action is needed. Julie Berckmans, an EEA climate risk expert, noted, “The risks are increasing rapidly.” She stressed the importance of improving spatial planning in cities and countries to address future health risks associated with heat stress.
The European Commission is set to present its action plan in response to the report’s findings. EU Commission spokesperson Tim McPhie acknowledged the critical nature of the situation, saying the EEA’s report has “given a very clear warning and a very clear call to action of what’s to come.”
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The European continent is not ready for extreme climate events
cgtn.com
