Climate

• Europe is the fastest-warming continent. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires.
• The past decade has been the hottest on record, with European land temperatures increasing by 2.19 to 2.26°C above pre-industrial levels, compared with 1.24 to 1.28°C globally. This highlights the urgency of limiting global warming in line with the Paris Agreement.
• Since 1980, weather- and climate-related extremes have caused an estimated EUR 822 billion in economic losses across the EU, with the most recent years among the costliest on record.
• EU greenhouse gas emissions have fallen significantly since 1990. Total net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU fell by a further 2.5% in 2024. The EU remains largely on track to achieve its 2030 climate targets.
• Every additional fraction of a degree of warming increases risks for people, ecosystems and the economy. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change are both needed to limit future impacts.

The EU is addressing climate risks through both climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Under the European Climate Law, the EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. These targets are supported by a wide range of climate and energy legislation, including the effort sharing regulation, the European-wide emissions trading system and measures introduced under the Fit for 55 package.

The EU is also strengthening its resilience to climate change. Together with national adaptation strategies, the EU Adaptation Strategy supports countries in preparing for more frequent and severe climate impacts, while the European Commission is stepping up action to improve Europe’s resilience and preparedness.

The EU's climate action contributes to the goals of the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to keep it to 1.5°C.