
Climate change impacts in Europe
Climate change is happening now and will get more serious in the future, even if global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions prove effective. However, the impacts will be much less severe if efforts to reduce emissions are successful in keeping the global temperature increase well below 2°C (as required by the Paris Agreement). Any higher emissions scenario would lead to considerably greater climate change.
Extreme weather and climate-related hazards such as heat waves, floods and droughts will become more frequent and intense in many regions. This will lead to adverse impacts on ecosystems, economic sectors, and human health and well-being. Therefore, minimising the risks from global climate change requires targeted actions to adapt to the impacts of climate change, in addition to actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Adaptation must be tailored to the specific circumstances in different regions and cities of Europe.
The maps prepared by the European Environmnet Agency, present a story about how Europe might be affected by key climate hazards such as droughts, floods, forest fires and sea level rise during the 21st century and beyond. These maps are based on different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios and climate models and have been published already in various EEA reports and indicators. You will find maps here.