Climate Report 2024: Europe Experiences Extreme Weather Variability

The climate landscape in Europe during 2024 was marked by stark contrasts, with the western regions experiencing unusually high levels of precipitation, while the eastern areas faced significant drought conditions. This finding is part of the annual climate report published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

2024 has been recorded as the hottest year globally, with Europe seeing an average temperature rise of 2.92 degrees Celsius above the historical average. This increase is part of a broader global trend, where temperatures rose by 1.55 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). The report highlights that central, eastern, and southeastern Europe faced unprecedented heat, contributing to a range of environmental and social challenges.

Notably, the report indicates that extreme weather events claimed at least 335 lives, with over 413,000 individuals affected by severe storms and flooding. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate action across all regions.

Europe's rapid warming can be attributed to several factors, including the significant land area of the Arctic, which is warming faster than any other region. Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns have also contributed to an increase in summer heatwaves, alongside a decrease in aerosol emissions, which traditionally help to reflect sunlight and mitigate heat.

In the context of the continent's climate, the report details a pronounced east-west divide, noting that eastern Europe experienced dry, sunny, and extremely warm conditions, whereas western Europe was characterized by a cloudier and wetter climate. In fact, western regions had one of the ten wettest years since 1950, leading to rivers overflowing their banks. Conversely, eastern rivers faced significantly reduced water levels due to the ongoing drought.

The report also highlights a troubling increase in heat stress days and tropical nights across Europe. In southeastern Europe, the summer of 2024 was marked by an extended heatwave lasting 13 days, with a record-breaking 23 tropical nights, where temperatures did not drop below 20 degrees Celsius. For comparison, regions in Germany typically experience only a few tropical nights each year.

Marine temperatures around Europe were similarly concerning, with average sea surface temperatures rising by 0.7 degrees above historical averages, and the Mediterranean Sea recording an increase of 1.2 degrees. The extreme precipitation levels and flooding were unprecedented since the flooding events of 2013, causing significant devastation in areas such as Valencia, Spain, where over 200 fatalities were reported. Additionally, Storm Boris in September resulted in severe rainfall and flooding across parts of Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, and neighboring countries.

In light of these alarming trends, experts stress the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel sources. The growth of renewable energy, which now accounts for 45% of Europe's power generation, is a positive development. However, experts warn against succumbing to the short-term interests of the fossil fuel industry and emphasize the need for immediate implementation of European climate goals.

Every fraction of a degree in temperature increase carries significant implications for life, the economy, and the planet, reinforcing the call for urgent and sustained climate action.