
Europe unprepared for climate risks, must act swiftly
The European Environment Agency (EEA) reports Europe is ill-equipped for escalating climate risks, urging immediate action by European and national policymakers. The Agency’s first European climate risk assessment highlights 36 significant climate threats, emphasizing urgent measures for 21 of them, including the preservation of ecosystems and combating biodiversity loss. Europe is experiencing more frequent and severe heatwaves, particularly impacting Southern and Western-Central regions; for instance, the summer of 2022 saw 60,000 to 70,000 premature deaths due to heat. The assessment suggests tools such as urban planning, building standards, and labor laws can reduce health risks. While understanding and preparation for climate risks have advanced, the implementation of necessary actions lags behind rising risk levels.