The European Environment Agency has released the first-ever European Climate Risk Assessment. This report is based on existing knowledge about the impacts and risks of European climate change. The report builds on previous studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Copernicus Climate Change Service, and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, as well as the outcomes of EU-funded research and development projects and national climate risk assessments. This report aims to provide policymakers with synthesised knowledge to help them make strategic decisions regarding climate change.
The European climate risk assessment identifies 36 climate risks and evaluates them based on severity, policy readiness, horizon, and ownership. Human-induced climate change affects the planet, with 2023 being the warmest year globally. Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with increased heat and precipitation extremes causing catastrophic floods and severe droughts. These risks compromise food, water, energy, and financial security and threaten the health of people and ecosystems. Climate change multiplies crises and risks with cascading effects, particularly for vulnerable groups. Without decisive action, identified risks could cause thousands of deaths and exceed EUR 1 Trillion in economic losses.