Effects of drought and heat in Vartiosaari, Helsinki. © Saara Sivonen
Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, but the implementation of EU policies is not keeping up with the increasing climate risks, according to a recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Johan Munck af Rosenschöld, who co-led the assessment work at the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), shares the key findings of the report.
Europe is experiencing extreme heat and heavy rainfall more frequently due to its rapid warming. Although the EU and its member states have a better understanding of the impacts of climate change, policy implementation has not kept pace with the growing risks, as highlighted in the EEA’s recent report.
The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) played a significant role in compiling the European climate risk assessment report. Syke’s experts, including Johan Munck af Rosenschöld, Claire Mosoni,Stefan Fronzek, Noora Veijalainen, Nina Pirttioja, Tim Carter, and Kimmo Tolonen, contributed to writing the report. Johan Munck af Rosenschöld, who led the study at Syke, provides further insights into the report’s results.
What makes the European Environment Agency’s report significant?
Munck af Rosenschöld: “This is the first comprehensive climate risk assessment covering the entire European continent, conducted at the request of the European Commission. In the report, we assess not only the severity of climate risks but also the EU’s political readiness to manage these risks. Based on this assessment, we prioritise risks and aim to identify who bears responsibility for preparing for different climate risks—whether it falls more under the EU, member states, or shared responsibility. Typically, local risks such as heatwaves and droughts require actions at the member state level, while risks related to international trade and seas fall more within the EU’s jurisdiction.”
How well-prepared is Europe for climate risks?
Munck af Rosenschöld: “Overall, Europe’s preparedness is inadequate when considering the identified climate risks and our assessment. While readiness varies for different risks, out of the 36 identified risks, only three had better political readiness at the EU level for risk management. We need swift political actions, especially concerning crop production, marine ecosystems, and wildfire-related risks. Many climate risks interact and transfer across systems and regions, potentially leading to widespread disruptions in food and water availability.”
How well-prepared is Finland for the impacts of climate change?
Munck af Rosenschöld: “Although this report does not specifically examine individual member states, we analysed risks by regions. Currently, the most severe and rapidly growing risks are concentrated in Southern Europe. However, Finland has a long tradition of adaptation. We were among the first countries to create our own adaptation strategy. According to the latest information, adaptation and preparedness for climate risks have generally progressed well in Finland, but challenges remain, particularly at the local level. It is crucial to support smaller municipalities, which are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”
What impact has the report had?
Munck af Rosenschöld: “The summary of the report was published in March 2024 and received unprecedented attention from the media across Europe and globally. The report served as the basis for the European Commission’s communication on climate risk management, which was also published around the same time. The Commission outlined key actions for managing climate risks and how the EU can prepare for them in the future, clearly reflecting the report’s highlights. So, in that sense, the report has had a very concrete impact.”
How should adaptation planning be developed in the EU and its member states?
Munck af Rosenschöld: “Justice was one of the central perspectives in the European climate risk assessment. It’s important to consider social vulnerability and ensure that different groups of people and regions have the opportunity to respond to threats and risks. This requires us to identify who benefits from adaptation measures and who ends up paying the cost. Inclusive decision-making and recognising the needs of different regions are central from a justice standpoint. There is still room for improvement, but the overall direction is positive.”
Explore the European Climate Risk Assessment report
European Climate Risk Assessment report. European Environment Agency, 2024. (eea.europa.eu)
Additional Information
Group Manager Johan Munck af Rosenschöld, Policy and Risks Group, Climate Solutions Unit, Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), tel. +358 2 952 51513, Johan.MunckafRosenschold@syke.fi