The summer of 2023 was the hottest on record globally. Over 460.000 hectars of forest have been destroyed by wildfires this year.
Over the past decades, Europe has been experiencing frequent and severe weather and climate-related natural hazards like droughts, forest fires, heatwaves, storms and heavy rain. Climate change will make these events even more intense and more frequent.
Extreme temperatures do not only impact the health of vulnerable groups but also cause sleep disturbance for everyone. Rivers and lakes are drying up, impacting all life dependent on them. Soils are also getting drier, increasing fire risks and reducing agricultural productivity.
Other parts of Europe are experiencing intense downpours, sometimes flooding buildings and damaging property and infrastructure within a matter of minutes. Coastal zones will be at risk of more frequent storm surges, also resulting in flooded buldings or agricultural lands. Wind speeds are reaching levels never seen Europe before, causing accidents and serious damages to property. Other parts are seeing severe cold spells.
These events are unfortunate reminders of the changing and volatile climate that Europe needs to adapt and prepare for, while taking action to drastically reduce carbon emissions in order to slow down and limit climate change.