Europe warming at nearly double the global average, says study
The latest European State of the Climate (ESOTC) report for 2023, reveals that Europe is facing a severe climate crisis, warming at nearly double the global average. The study, conducted jointly by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization, shows that Europe's temperatures have risen 2.3 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. This increase is significantly higher than the global rise of 1.3 degrees Celsius, marking 2023 as Europe's second-warmest year on record.
Southern Europe faced 60-80 days of intense heat stress
The ESOTC report highlights the stark contrast in weather conditions across Europe. Southern regions experienced between 60 and 80 days of intense heat stress, with Southern Spain enduring over 80 days of extreme heat. Conversely, northern Europe faced severe cold stress, with central Iceland witnessing up to 100 days of freezing temperatures. These extreme weather conditions underscore the severity of the climate crisis in Europe.
Heat-related fatalities have surged by nearly 30%
The ESOTC report also reveals a concerning increase in heat-related fatalities, which have surged by nearly 30% over the past two decades. The summer of 2023 saw intense heatwaves across southern Europe, posing serious health risks to older adults and outdoor workers. Concurrently, Europe was struck by devastating floods and wildfires, with Greece experiencing its largest wildfire in recorded history.
Europe's geographical location contributes to its escalating climate crisis
Europe's accelerated warming rate, is largely attributed to its geographical location beneath the Arctic, the world's fastest-warming region, and its proximity to rapidly-warming oceans. The report indicates that surface ocean warming rates in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Baltic and Black seas, and southern Arctic are three times higher than the global average.
Europe generated more electricity from renewable sources than fossil fuels
Despite the alarming climate trends, the ESOTC report highlights a positive development: Europe's rapid transition toward renewable energy sources. In 2023, for the second consecutive year, Europe generated more electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind, than from fossil fuels. Renewable energy accounted for 43% of Europe's electricity production last year, marking a significant increase from 36% in the previous year.
Over 150 lives lost due to storms, floods, wildfires
The ESOTC report also sheds light on the human and financial cost of rising temperatures in Europe. Over 150 lives were lost directly due to storms, floods, and wildfires in 2023. The financial impact of weather- and climate-related losses for the same year was estimated at over €13.4 billion. These extreme weather events affected hundreds of thousands of people, resulting in substantial economic losses at the continental level.
