European climate risk assessment

This assessment identifies 36 climate risks with potentially severe consequences across Europe. The risks are evaluated in the contexts of risk severity, policy horizon (lead time and decision horizon), policy readiness and risk ownership. It further identifies priorities for EU policy action, based on a structured risk assessment united with qualitative aspects, such as considering social justice.

This report highlights that Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world with several events, combined with environmental and social risk drivers, posing major challenges throughout the continent. Despite considerable progress made by EU member states, several climate risks have already reached critical levels. Although policies and actions are in place to strengthen Europe's climate resilience for the long term, urgent action is needed now to prevent rigid choices that are not fit for the future in a changing climate.