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EU's Climate Adaptation Falls Short
17 Feb
Summary
- Europe is the fastest-warming continent globally.
- Annual climate damage to EU infrastructure is 45 billion euros.
- EU faces significant risks without stronger climate preparations.
The European Union is facing significant challenges in adapting to the accelerating impacts of climate change, according to its independent scientific advisors. Europe is currently the world's fastest-warming continent, experiencing more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
These climate extremes are inflicting substantial economic damage, with annual losses to infrastructure and buildings now reaching 45 billion euros, a fivefold increase since the 1980s. Despite having strong targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the EU's efforts to adapt to the already occurring weather changes have been inadequate.
Advisors cited a critical lack of coherence, coordination, and budget as key reasons for this shortfall. They recommended that the EU prepare for risks associated with 2.8 to 3.3°C of warming by 2100. This preparedness should inform policies for people and businesses, such as restricting construction in flood zones and supporting drought-affected farmers.
Further recommendations include investing in public early warning systems and boosting insurance coverage, potentially through EU-level reinsurance, as only a quarter of climate-related economic losses are currently insured. The European Commission is set to propose a new 'climate resilience' strategy later this year.
