What's happened
A new report reveals that Europe experienced unprecedented climate extremes in 2024, including record heat and severe flooding affecting over 413,000 people. The findings highlight the urgent need for climate adaptation and stronger policies against fossil fuel pollution as the continent grapples with the impacts of global warming.
What's behind the headline?
Key Findings
- Record Heat: Half of Europe reported new heat records in 2024, with ocean temperatures also at an all-time high.
- Severe Flooding: Floods in central Europe and eastern Spain were particularly devastating, leading to over 250 deaths.
- Wildfires: High temperatures contributed to wildfires affecting 42,000 people, with significant damage in Portugal.
Implications
- Adaptation Needs: Experts stress the importance of adapting to a hotter world, as highlighted by Celeste Saulo of the WMO.
- Policy Changes: Climate campaigners argue for stricter regulations on fossil fuel companies to mitigate future disasters.
- Future Projections: With Europe warming twice as fast as the global average, the report warns of dire consequences if current trends continue.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the report indicates that 413,000 people were affected by severe weather events in 2024, with floods and heatwaves causing significant destruction. Celeste Saulo emphasized the need for societies to adapt to climate change, stating, "We are making progress but need to go further and need to go faster." Meanwhile, Bloomberg noted that ocean temperatures in Europe reached unprecedented levels, further underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis. The Independent highlighted the end of La Niña, which complicates weather predictions, indicating a shift in global climate patterns that could exacerbate these extreme weather events.
How we got here
The report from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization outlines the severe weather events of 2024, exacerbated by climate change. Previous studies have linked these disasters to rising global temperatures, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
Go deeper
- What specific events caused the flooding in Europe?
- How is the EU planning to address climate change?
- What are the long-term effects of these climate extremes?
Common question
-
What Were the Major Climate Events in Europe in 2024?
In 2024, Europe faced unprecedented climate extremes that significantly impacted millions of lives. From record heatwaves to severe flooding, the continent's climate crisis has raised urgent questions about adaptation and policy changes. Below, we explore the major events and their implications.
-
What are the best climate adaptation strategies for Europe?
As Europe grapples with the increasing impacts of climate change, including record heat and severe flooding, understanding effective climate adaptation strategies is crucial. This page explores key practices, policies, and the role of local governments in enhancing resilience against climate extremes.
-
How Does Fossil Fuel Pollution Affect Climate Change in Europe?
Fossil fuel pollution is a major contributor to climate change, and recent reports highlight its devastating effects in Europe. With unprecedented climate extremes in 2024, including record heat and severe flooding, understanding the role of fossil fuels in this crisis is crucial. Below, we explore common questions about fossil fuel pollution, its impact, and what can be done to mitigate its effects.
-
What Were the Record Temperatures and Flooding Events in Europe in 2024?
In 2024, Europe faced unprecedented climate extremes, including record-breaking temperatures and severe flooding that affected hundreds of thousands of people. This page explores the details of these events, their impacts, and what they mean for the future of climate adaptation in Europe.
-
How are Citizens in Europe Responding to Climate Change?
As Europe grapples with the severe impacts of climate change, including record heat and devastating floods, citizens are increasingly vocal about their concerns. This page explores the public's response, the emergence of movements, and how social media is shaping climate activism across the continent.
-
What Changes Are Coming to European Climate Policy After 2024?
As Europe grapples with unprecedented climate extremes, including record heat and severe flooding, the urgency for stronger climate policies has never been clearer. This page explores the anticipated changes in European climate policy, the influence of recent climate events, and the EU's role in global climate agreements.
More on these topics
-
Central Europe is the region comprising the central part of Europe. Central Europe occupies continuous territories that are otherwise sometimes considered parts of Western Europe, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe.
-
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is an American scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.
-
The World Meteorological Organization is an intergovernmental organization with a membership of 193 Member States and Territories. The President of the World Meteorological Congress, its supreme body, is Gerhard Adrian as a successor of David Grimes. The