Overview

• 2024 was Europe’s hottest year on record, with temperatures rising 2.4°C above pre-industrial levels and 45% of days significantly hotter than average.
• Extreme weather events caused stark regional contrasts, with western Europe experiencing record rainfall and flooding, while eastern regions faced prolonged heatwaves and drought.
• Devastating floods, including storms like Tempête Boris and catastrophic events in Spain, affected over 413,000 people and resulted in 335 deaths.
• Accelerated glacier retreat was observed across Europe, with regions like Scandinavia and the Svalbard experiencing record ice loss, contributing to rising sea levels.
• Experts warn that without drastic emissions reductions, such extreme events will become more frequent, with significant risks to human lives, economies, and ecosystems.