Extreme weather concerns: Not enough rain, yet too much, all at once
In 2024, Europe faced a series of extreme weather events, with the continent warming at an alarming rate. According to Copernicus, Europe is the continent warming the fastest, with increasing heatwaves and floods.
The share of renewable energy in Europe's electricity supply reached an impressive 45 percent, yet this was not enough to mitigate the effects of climate change. In fact, Europe experienced its highest average temperature on record, with an increase of 2.92 degrees compared to the pre-industrial level (1850-1900).
Storm Boris brought heavy rain and floods to parts of Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, and neighboring countries in September 2024. The disaster in the Spanish province of Valencia and surrounding areas in October resulted in over 200 deaths due to extreme rainfall and floods. In total, at least 335 people died in severe storms and floods across Europe in 2024.
The Mediterranean saw an increase of 1.2 degrees in sea surface temperature, while the average sea surface temperature in European seas was 0.7 degrees higher than the long-term average. The rapid warming of the Mediterranean Sea drives heatwaves and extreme droughts particularly in southern Europe, while the warmer sea surface also threatens marine ecosystems.
The number of heat stress days and tropical nights in Europe is increasing. In 2024, Southeastern Europe experienced a record 23 tropical nights. Germany experienced its warmest year on record, and record heat was experienced in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe.
Severe droughts were also experienced in Eastern Europe, with rivers carrying significantly less water. Western Europe, on the other hand, experienced one of the ten wettest years in the period since 1950.
The primary factors contributing to Europe's status as the fastest-warming continent include proximity to the Arctic, shrinking rivers and lakes, reduction in atmospheric aerosols, rapid warming of the Mediterranean Sea, increased frequency and intensity of heat domes, geographical position, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves, forest fires, heavy rains, and consequent floods.
These factors create a feedback loop amplifying warming, leading to unprecedented heatwaves and associated floods from increased precipitation variability across Europe. The implementation of European climate goals without delay is crucial for the future, according to Stefan Rahmstorf of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.
References:
- Copernicus Climate Change Service
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
- European Environment Agency
- World Meteorological Organization
- The rise in Europe's economic and social policy should prioritize the mitigation of climate-change effects, as indicated by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, due to Europe being the continent warming the fastest.
- In light of the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and heatwaves, the general-news media and environmental-science researchers must emphasize the urgent need for political action to address climate change.
- With the continuous rise in heat stress days, tropical nights, and severe droughts, it is crucial that Europe invests in scientific research and renewable energy to break the feedback loop causing amplified warming and associated floods.
