The European State of the Climate is another reminder of the severity and speed with which climate change is advancing across the Old Continent. It is particularly noteworthy how, apart from climate information, the need for adaptation measures is emphasised. In the current geopolitical context, aiming for a decrease in CO2 concentrations seems a pipe dream and adaptation is now our main weapon to cushion the climate blow.

However, the report incurs and propagates some of the main misunderstandings about climate change. Neither floods nor fires are the direct result of climate change. Climate change only affects weather and increases the likelihood of extreme weather events. However, phenomena such as the catastrophic floods in Valencia or the mega-fires in Portugal depend on the interaction between climate and spatial planning. This separation is not trivial given that climate change is here to stay and yet we can do a lot to reduce the risk of floods and mega-fires. It is wrong to blame climate change alone for these events. Moreover, we are justifying the inaction of our governments in preventing natural disasters because, if it were solely down to the climate, nothing could be done (at least in the short term).

The report has certain ideological overtones in that, when talking about energy sources, it focuses on a few renewable sources. The report should really emphasise all emission-free and safe energies. We are talking, for example, about nuclear energy as a source of electricity or biomass as a source of heat, which also contributes to fire prevention. In a context of climate emergency, we must take advantage of all low-carbon energies with low socio-ecological impacts.

Finally, the narrative of the report follows the usual doomsday rhetoric, under which every year we break a new record. We must understand that this probably does not coincide with the perception of the ordinary citizen: in Spain temperatures in 2024 were not particularly high, at least if we compare them with 2022 or 2023. If we indicate that European temperatures have been record-breaking, without clarifying that this pattern is mainly due to what happened in the centre of Europe and that this is not the case in Spain, we may generate a certain disaffection among citizens about climate information and even a certain disbelief, given that the headline does not correspond to the reality experienced, and known, in our territory.

The annual State of the Climate in Europe reports published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service with the World Meteorological Organisation are a quality and comprehensive reference for the evolution of the climate over the European continent. In addition to updating the indices associated with warming over Europe, this report puts special emphasis on the increasingly frequent and intense weather and climate extremes, showcasing examples of climate resilience and adaptation initiatives in cities across Europe. In this regard, it is important to highlight the importance of strengthening early warning systems for extreme weather events that cause great material and human losses. The report notes that extreme events have caused floods and high winds that have claimed at least 335 lives and affected some 413,000 people, many of them in the floods in Valencia in October last year.

All the elements that contribute to early warning systems, such as monitoring, forecasting - and, in the case of heavy rainfall, hydrological and even hydraulic forecasting as well as meteorological forecasting - on different time scales, risk assessment, automation of procedures, communication and dissemination of warnings with clear protocols, capacity building and training of both affected communities and decision makers, etc., must be reinforced to minimise the effects of extreme weather events where a rapid response is essential. In this regard, it should be recalled that WMO has proven experience in the development and implementation of all the components that essentially contribute to the proper functioning of early warning systems.

In 2024, temperatures on the European continent have risen significantly, increasing the risk of heat waves, tropical nights and forest fires.

In terms of precipitation, 2024 has been characterised by floods of a magnitude not seen in the last decade, especially in the western region. In particular, heavy rainfall caused severe flash floods in the province of Valencia in October. In addition, the Alps continue to lose glaciers at an alarming rate, further aggravating the effects of climate change in the region.

The new Copernicus (C3S) report on the state of the European climate in 2024 confirms not only that the past year has been the warmest in our history, thus exceeding the 1.5°C threshold, but that this value in Europe translates into 2.5°C and confirms that it is the fastest warming continent.

Of particular note is the warming in the Arctic Circle, with the record ice minimum in December 2024, the melting of European glaciers and the increase in sea temperature, 1.3°C in the Mediterranean Sea. This not only has a direct impact on their ecosystems, but also plays a role in weather patterns affecting the whole of Europe.

Extreme events in 2024 include intense and persistent precipitation such as that which occurred in the Valencia catastrophe and record-breaking temperatures, noting days of severe heat stress (feeling 46°C or more) only experienced in southern and south-eastern Spain, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Based on objective data, the report warns of an increase in the frequency and severity of heat waves and fire risks in September, particularly in Spain and Portugal. It also warns of changes not only in precipitation patterns, but an increase in the intensity of the most extreme events, which may lead to increased flooding.

In its analysis on resilience, the report is positive, noting that half of European cities, twice as many as in 2018, have prepared adaptation plans, but warns that more action is urgently needed, particularly on flood risks.