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Europe Named Fastest-Warming Continent as 2024 Breaks Heat Records

UN-led report highlights devastating climate impacts, including record flooding, extreme heat, and rapid glacier loss, while urging accelerated adaptation and decarbonization efforts.

A drone view shows a man rowing a boat among houses flooded by the Danube River in the village of Ersekcsanad, Hungary, September 22, 2024. REUTERS/Marko Djurica/File Photo
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Overview

  • Europe experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, with temperatures rising at twice the global average since the 1980s.
  • Extreme weather, including the most widespread flooding since 2013, claimed at least 335 lives and affected over 410,000 people across the continent.
  • A stark east-west climate contrast emerged, with western Europe experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding, while eastern Europe faced severe heat and drought.
  • Renewable energy production reached a record high in 2024, with 45% of Europe's electricity generated from clean sources like wind and solar.
  • Over half of European cities now have climate adaptation plans, reflecting progress in resilience efforts, though experts stress the need for faster action.