The European Environment Agency (EEA) published a summary of the European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA). The assessment is an important step in the European Union's efforts to effectively address the risks of climate change. In line with the EU's 2021 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and the objectives of the European Green Pact, the EEA presents a comprehensive analysis of the climate risks facing Europe.

Developed in collaboration with numerous partner organizations and supported by various stakeholders and experts, the EUCRA supports the identification of priorities and policy decisions on climate change, as well as the development of policies for climate-sensitive sectors across the European Union.

The report presents information on 36 climate risks for Europe, summarized and assessed in 5 categories: ecosystems, food and food security, human health, infrastructure, economy and finance. The most serious environmental risks include the loss of coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as the destruction of biodiversity and natural carbon sinks by forest fires, especially in the South of the continent. Southern Europe also faces the greatest risk of prolonged droughts, crop loss and heat stress during heat waves. In terms of economic damage, there are cascading risks, such as power cuts due to heat waves and extreme weather events. Additional pressure on the European Union solidarity mechanisms, including financial mechanisms, has been identified as a specific risk.

One of EUCRA's key strengths is that it focuses both on human-induced climate change and the resulting risks, as well as on additional non-direct climate-related drivers of risk. The report thus contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay of factors exacerbating climate risks in Europe. According to the EEA, Europe continues to be the continent with the fastest rising temperatures and it is this interplay of risk factors that calls for urgent action at European and national level.

For more information and to access the EUCRA report, see the EEA website at https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/european-climate-risk-assessment