Facing unprecedented climate challenges, the European Union is at a critical point in addressing the impacts of climate change, including record-breaking temperatures and severe natural disasters. The European Commission this week sought to address these concerns with the publication of a new Communication on 'managing climate risks in Europe.'
In a year marked by record temperatures and severe natural disasters, the European Union stands at a critical juncture. The increasing severity and frequency of climate-related disasters not only threaten lives but also economic stability and environmental sustainability across the continent, according to the first ever assessment by the European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA), by the European Environment Agency.
Last year was by far the hottest on record and Europe therefore needs to build resilience against climate impacts, by identifying risks, improving preparedness, and fine-tuning policies across the board to protect lives and livelihoods.
The European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA) underscores the immediate necessity for action amidst a worrying surge in climate-related dangers. It presents a grave picture: Europe is alarmingly unprepared for the climate risks that are growing at an expedited pace. Highlighted risks include heat stress, flash floods, river floods, and the deteriorating health of coastal and marine ecosystems. Particularly in southern Europe, identified as a "hotspot" region, urgent actions are demanded to safeguard crops and protect communities, infrastructure, and natural environments from wildfires.
The European Commission's new Communication on managing climate risks in Europe, responds to the EUCRA report and sets out how the EU and its Member States can better anticipate, understand, and address growing climate risks. It also outlines how all major sectors and policy areas are exposed to climate-related risks, how severe and urgent the risks are, and how important it is to have clarity on who has the responsibility to address the risks.
DG ECHO and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) have been instrumental in fostering collaboration among Member States, enhancing disaster preparedness, and emphasising the importance of risk assessment and prevention. This collaborative effort underlines the necessity of integrating climate change adaptation with disaster risk management strategies to effectively mitigate emerging risks, thereby improving Europe's resilience to increasingly intense disasters such as floods, storms, and droughts.
For our citizens and societies, we must get ahead of coming climate risks, while never losing sight of our work to tackle the root causes of climate change and limit our emissions.
In parallel to the EUCRA, on the same day DG ECHO adopted the first progress report on the implementation of article 6 of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism “Preventing and managing disaster risk in Europe”, which shows the high level of consideration UCPM countries give to climate-related risks and to synergies between climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.
The European Environment Agency (EEA) report calls for immediate action to address the myriad of climate risks with potentially severe consequences for Europe. It points towards a growing discrepancy between the rapid escalation of climate risks and the pace at which societal preparedness and policy developments are advancing. This gap necessitates a comprehensive strategy that not only anticipates but also effectively mitigates these emerging challenges through robust disaster risk management and climate change adaptation measures.
The Commission's Communication on Managing Climate Risks and the adoption of the Union Disaster Resilience Goals are significant steps towards realising a climate-resilient Europe. These initiatives propose a multifaceted plan encompassing improved governance, empowerment of risk owners, strategic use of structural policies, and enhanced financing for climate resilience, aiming to equip the EU and its Member States with the necessary tools to manage climate-related risks effectively.
The fight against climate risks is a collective endeavour that requires action at all levels of governance, as well as within the private sector and civil society. The European Union, through its Civil Protection Mechanism, is committed to leading this charge. By harnessing the power of collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning, Europe can safeguard its people, prosperity, and the environment against the growing threat of climate change.
Resources
Press Release: Key steps for managing climate risks to protect people
Executive Summary European Climate Risk Assessment — European Environment Agency
Factsheet on Communication on European Climate Risk Assessment
Q and A on Communication on managing climate risks to protect people and prosperity