Urgent Call to Action: Climate Expert Warns Europe Must Prepare for Worsening Climate Crisis in 2025
Europe has faced a year marked by devastating climate-related disasters, including wildfires, heat waves, and deadly floods, an article by Anadolu Agency revealed yesterday.
As the continent grapples with these impacts, Sven Harmeling, head of climate at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, warns that the situation will likely worsen in 2025. He emphasizes the need for policymakers to “ring the alarm bells” and take immediate action.
Harmeling cites the recent floods in Valencia, which claimed over 220 lives, as a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. He highlights that these extreme weather events are not isolated to Europe but are occurring globally, confirming long-standing scientific predictions about climate change.
To combat these challenges, Harmeling stresses the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver of climate change, alongside implementing preventive actions and climate adaptation strategies. He points out that while all EU member states have developed some form of climate adaptation strategy, many of these plans are underfunded and poorly coordinated across various government ministries.
Harmeling outlines a “to-do list” for the incoming European Commission, urging them to strengthen the EU’s adaptation approach and create a binding European adaptation plan. He believes effective coordination and well-structured implementation plans are crucial for making these strategies practical and impactful.
Looking ahead, Harmeling warns that 2024 is projected to be one of the hottest years on record, with no indication that the impacts of climate change will lessen in the coming year. Countries already affected by wildfires and floods should prepare for the recurrence of such events. He emphasizes the critical need for robust planning at the city level to address these impending challenges.
As Europe faces an uncertain future, Harmeling’s call to action underscores the urgency of proactive measures to mitigate climate impacts and protect vulnerable communities.
