Climate-related economic losses

In Estonia, storms, heavy rain, freezing rain and snow are the primary causes of weather-related economic losses to buildings, forests and agriculture, with drought and hail becoming increasingly significant in recent years. In July 2024, Estonia experienced its third-wettest July on record, damaging crops. In November 2024, a storm brought damaging wind gusts to Estonia, reaching 38.8 m/s on Osmussaar. Freezing temperatures but little snow in some areas led to winter crop failures, requiring costly replanting. In August 2023, hailstones up to 8 cm in diameter destroyed greenhouses, cars and roofs, marking an unprecedented event in Estonia. Tornadoes (EF2 and EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale) in 2022 and 2023 caused damage to buildings and trees. Droughts in June and August of 2022 and 2023 resulted in complex, long-term effects on agriculture and forestry.

According to the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, the average income shortfall in 2024 was EUR 315/ha for rapeseed, EUR 308/ha for spring barley and EUR 692/ha for replanted winter rapeseed. Total losses, including replanting costs, for rapeseed and barley growers were estimated at EUR 52 million.