Europe Under Climate Stress: Why Our Continent Is Warming the Fastest
The climate in Europe was extremely contradictory in 2024: While unusually heavy rain fell in the west of the continent, extreme drought prevailed in the east. At the same time, temperatures in the middle of Europe were significantly above the long-term average. This is according to the current climate report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The report documents a year of weather extremes with far-reaching consequences for people and the environment. At least 335 people died due to storms and floods, and around 413,000 were affected by the impacts.
Record Year 2024: Warmest Period Since Records Began
Globally, the average temperature in 2024 was 1.55 degrees above pre-industrial levels according to the WMO. In Europe, the deviation was even 2.92 degrees. Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe were particularly affected – regions where new heat records were set. Germany also recorded the warmest year since measurements began, according to the DWD.
A significant reason for the rapid warming of Europe, according to Copernicus, is the high proportion of Arctic land areas, which are warming particularly quickly. Additionally, changes in atmospheric circulation and the decline of aerosols – which normally reflect sunlight – influenced the climate.
East-West Divide: Drought in the East, Heavy Rain in the West
A striking pattern of the climate year 2024 was the strong contrast between Eastern and Western Europe. The west recorded one of the ten wettest years since 1950. Accordingly, rivers there carried more water than usual. In the east, however, extreme drought prevailed, leading to a significantly lower water level.
The report highlights that "dry, sunny, and extremely warm conditions" occurred in the east, while the west was characterized by "cloudier, wetter, and less warm conditions."
Tropical Nights, Heatwaves, and Warm Seas
According to Copernicus, the number of heat stress days and tropical nights is increasing significantly. In Southeast Europe, 13 consecutive days of heatwave and 23 nights with temperatures above 20 degrees were recorded – a new record. In comparison, in German cities like Heidelberg, such nights occur only sporadically.
The seas were also exceptionally warm. The sea surface temperature was on average 0.7 degrees above the norm, and in the Mediterranean even 1.2 degrees.
Storms and Floods Claim Hundreds of Lives
2024 was the year with the heaviest rainfall since 2013. Spain was particularly affected: In the Valencia region, over 200 people lost their lives in floods in October. Central Europe was also hit hard: Storm Boris caused severe rainfall in September in Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, and neighboring countries, resulting in extensive damage.
Science Calls for Swift Action
"Every additional fraction of a degree in temperature rise matters," emphasized WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. The risks to people, the economy, and the environment would continue to increase as a result.
Stefan Rahmstorf from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research warned: "We must reduce emissions from fossil fuels." The growing share of renewable energies is a positive signal, but it is now important not to yield to fossil interests and to consistently implement the EU's climate goals.
(APA/Red)
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