MENA Newswire News Desk: Economic losses from extreme climate-related events in the European Union have averaged €26 billion per year over the past decade, according to a report from the European Court of Auditors (ECA). The report highlights the financial impact of climate change and warns that exposure to a global warming scenario of 1.5°C to 3°C above pre-industrial levels could result in annual losses of up to €175 billion.
In its latest findings, the ECA stressed the need for the European Union to adapt more efficiently to these recurring climate challenges. “We looked at how the EU is addressing the urgent need to adapt to recurring extreme climate conditions,” said Klaus-Heiner Lehne, the ECA member responsible for the audit. “We found issues in the way policies are implemented on the ground. If the implementation of EU action does not improve, there is a risk that EU adaptation ambitions may not keep pace with climate change.”
The auditors conducted a detailed review of national adaptation policies in France , Estonia, Austria, and Poland. While the national policies were generally consistent with the EU’s adaptation strategy, the report found that some of the scientific data used in these strategies were outdated. Additionally, some documents either underestimated or omitted the cost of necessary adaptation measures.
The auditors also emphasized that while the EU considers local action essential for successful adaptation, their survey of 400 municipalities across the audited member states revealed a significant lack of awareness. Many local authorities were found to be unfamiliar with EU climate adaptation tools, such as Climate-ADAPT, Copernicus, and the EU Covenant of Mayors. Although over half of the projects examined by the auditors effectively addressed climate risks, they identified some areas of concern.
In some cases, conflicting priorities, such as regional development and competitiveness, posed challenges to achieving climate adaptation goals. The auditors, however, noted several examples of good practices that could guide future adaptation efforts. The report serves as a stark reminder that while the EU has made significant strides in climate adaptation, there are still critical gaps in the implementation of these policies at the local and national levels.