Europe faces overwhelming losses and destruction from climate-related disasters as the continent is warming faster than any other region in the world:
- 2023 was the hottest year on record with disasters across Europe totaling more than €77 billion,
- 2023 wildfires estimates of direct damage were equivalent to €2 billion in Greece, €1 billion in Italy, and around €913 million in Spain,
- Wildfire response accounts for over 1/3 of response costs in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) budget,
- Under a 3°C warming scenario, economic losses are projected to increase to around €175 billion, or 1.38% of EU GDP.
There is an urgent need for Europe to adapt to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate extremes, as it warms faster than any other region globally. The economic losses from climate-related events are predicted to rise significantly, impacting communities and economies.
Funded by the European Commission, 3 analytical reports on prioritising investments in disaster and climate resilience, costing climate change adaptation, and advancing financial resilience have been developed in collaboration with the World Bank.
The study for the reports covered multiple hazards, including floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and landslides, with focus on critical infrastructure and emergency response systems.
The reports will provide decision-makers and practitioners with evidence, data, and tools to inform policy and investment efforts in disaster risk management.
Tools for making smart investments in prevention and preparedness in Europe
The report emphasizes the importance of targeted and strategic investments in critical sectors to enhance resilience against disaster and climate risks in Europe.
The report highlights the importance of adaptation pathways in building resilient futures in the face of evolving climate risks.
The case for pre-positioned finance
The report addresses the financial impact of wildfires and droughts in the EU, identifying the funding gap between available and needed finance.
The report series is a follow-up to the successful collaboration between the Commission and the World Bank in 2020-2021, which resulted in a study and reports that demonstrated the economic value of investing in disaster resilience, enhanced financial preparedness, and capacity-building.
eLearning course
Developed by the Comission's European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, an online eLearning course, drawing on the findings of the study, is available with open access under the EU Civil Protection Knowledge Network on the EU Academy.
The 1-hour self-paced course focuses on the risk landscape of the EU and the positive effects of disaster prevention and preparedness.