Reacción a "European State of the Climate highlights record temperatures and heavy rainfall in 2024"

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.