Europe is warming at double speed ⚡ compared to the rest of the world, with temperatures now 2.3°C above pre-industrial levels – nearly blowing past the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris climate agreement. A new report by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization and the EU’s Copernicus agency reveals urgent challenges and glimmers of hope for the continent.
Renewables Rise, But Extremes Intensify
While Europe generated 43% of its electricity from renewables 🌞💨 in 2023 (up from 36% in 2022), record heatwaves, wildfires, and melting glaciers are rewriting the rules of survival. Over 150 lives were lost to climate disasters last year, with economic damages hitting €13.4 billion.
Health & Ice at Risk
The report highlights:
🔥 Heat-related deaths rising continent-wide
🏔️ Alps glaciers lost 10% of their ice in just two years
🌊 Sea-surface temperatures around Europe hit historic highs
A Climate Paradox
Despite scorching trends, parts of Scandinavia and Iceland saw cooler temps – proving climate impacts remain uneven. 'These figures are likely to get worse,' warned Copernicus director Carlo Buontempo, urging faster shifts to clean energy.
With 10 straight months of global record heat ending in March 2024, Europe’s climate story is a wake-up call wrapped in a survival guide 🌍📈.
