Europe has experienced unprecedented heatwaves, with heat-trapping pollutants driving temperatures to record highs last year, as reported by the EU’s Copernicus and WMO. Daytime heat and warm nights have increased, contributing to a 30% rise in heat-related deaths over two decades.
WMO secretary-general Celeste Saulo stressed the importance of climate action, stating, “The cost of inaction is much higher.”
In 2023, Europe saw temperatures above average for 11 months, leading to devastating wildfires in drought-affected regions like Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Additionally, heavy rainfall caused deadly floods, with Europe receiving 7% more rain than the three-decade average.
While the role of global heating in heavy rainfall remains complex, the link to heatwaves is clear. The report estimated 70,000 extra deaths from heat in 2022, with 2023 likely seeing a higher toll due to fossil fuel emissions.
A recent European court ruling found Switzerland’s climate policy inadequate, potentially setting a precedent for other governments. Ana Raquel Nunes from the University of Warwick emphasized the need for urgent climate action to protect future generations.
Despite these challenges, there was a positive note on renewable energy, with 43% of electricity generated from renewables in 2023, up from 36% the previous year. Friederike Otto from Imperial College London warned that continued reliance on fossil fuels would exacerbate heatwaves and endanger vulnerable populations.
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