Europe Faces Deadly Flooding, Displaces 413,000 in 2024

In 2024, Europe experienced its hottest year on record, intensifying the impacts of climate change as nearly 500,000 people were affected by severe storms and extensive flooding. The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that 30% of the continent's river network experienced significant flooding, contributing to at least 335 fatalities and economic damages exceeding 18 billion euros in Western Europe alone. Deadly floods, particularly in Valencia, Spain, were exacerbated by rising sea temperatures linked to human-caused climate change. The report highlights that Europe has warmed at twice the global average since the 1980s, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe. Amid these challenges, there is a push for adaptation strategies, including strengthening early warning systems and climate services. Despite the alarming trends, renewable energy sources accounted for 45% of Europe's energy mix in 2024, suggesting some progress in addressing climate-related issues.