Europe's climate change response lags behind growing threats

Heatwaves, floods, and ecological stress are outstripping Europe's preparations for climate change, warns a European Environment Agency report.

Ajit Niranjan reports for The Guardian.

In short:

The EEA has identified 36 significant climate threats to Europe, urging immediate action on half, with five deemed urgent.
Southern Europe, a climate "hotspot," requires expedited measures to protect agriculture and communities from wildfires and extreme weather.
The report underscores the inadequacy of current financial sector stress tests in accounting for compounded environmental risks.

Key quote:

"Our new analysis shows that Europe faces urgent climate risks that are growing faster than our societal preparedness."

— Leena Ylä-Mononen, executive director of the EEA

Why this matters:

As climate change intensifies, leading to more frequent and severe weather events, European nations have been prompted to implement comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigation, adaptation, and resilience building.

Dr. Robbie Parks joins the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast to discuss the need to treat destructive storms, hurricanes and typhoons as public health and justice issues.

www.theguardian.com

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