Europe warmed twice as much as global average in last three decades: report

(EurActiv, 2 Nov 2022) Europe is one of the fastest-heating regions in the world, with temperatures rising over twice the global average in the last 30 years, threatening lives, economies and society, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organisation.

Temperatures have increased by an average rate of 0.5°C every decade between 1991 and 2021, according to the State of the Climate in Europe 2021 report, published on Wednesday (2 November).

With this increase comes a higher risk of climate change-driven extremes, including exceptional heat, wildfires and floods, which will impact society, economies and ecosystems.

“Europe presents a live picture of a warming world and reminds us that even well-prepared societies are not safe from impacts of extreme weather events,” said Professor Petteri Taalas, secretary general of the World Meteorological Organisation.

“This year, like 2021, large parts of Europe have been affected by extensive heatwaves and drought, fuelling wildfires. In 2021, exceptional floods caused death and devastation,” he added.

The report, produced alongside the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, looks at climate change in 2021, including rising temperatures, land and marine heatwaves, extreme weather, change in precipitation pattern and retreating snow and ice.

External link

EurActiv, 2 Nov 2022: Europe warmed twice as much as global average in last three decades: report