Europe's 2024 Climate Report Highlights Record Heat and Devastating Floods

The continent faced its hottest year on record, widespread flooding, and accelerated glacier melt, underscoring the urgent need for climate adaptation.

2024 was the hottest year ever recorded in Europe, with temperatures 2.4°C above pre-industrial levels, surpassing the global average warming rate.
Severe flooding affected approximately 413,000 people, caused at least 335 deaths, and resulted in €18 billion in damages, making it the most extensive flooding since 2013.
A stark east-west climate divide was observed, with western Europe experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding, while eastern Europe endured record-breaking heatwaves and droughts.
European glaciers, particularly in Scandinavia, Svalbard, and the Alps, experienced unprecedented ice loss, significantly contributing to sea level rise.
Half of European cities now have climate adaptation plans, a marked increase from 26% in 2018, though efforts remain uneven across the continent.

Courrier International