Europe Climate Risk

Climate Risk Assessment

European Environment Agency (EEA) published the European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA) highlighted the need for urgent action.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released the European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA), emphasizing the projected intensification of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and floods across Europe, with particular severity in the Southern region, even under optimistic climate change scenarios.

Key findings from the report include the identification of 36 major climate risks spanning ecosystems, food security, public health, infrastructure, and the economy. More than half of these risks necessitate immediate action, highlighting the urgency of measures to conserve ecosystems, protect against extreme heat, floods, and wildfires, and ensure the resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems. Urgent interventions are also required to secure food supplies amidst heatwaves and droughts, mitigate health risks associated with extreme heat, bolster infrastructure resilience, and address vulnerabilities in the economy and financial systems.

Drawing insights from various reputable sources including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Copernicus Climate Change Service, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, EU-funded projects, and national climate risk assessments, the EUCRA report aims to provide a synthesized framework for guiding strategic policymaking to mitigate the escalating climate risks facing Europe.

While acknowledging existing gaps in knowledge, the report highlights the EU's potential to lead strategic policymaking initiatives based on comprehensive research and assessments. The report underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between the European Union (EU), its Member States, and regional/local authorities in effectively reducing climate-related risks.