Climate change strikes: Austria reports record summer and millions in damage!

Climate change strikes: Austria reports record summer and millions in damage!

The heat wave is in full swing in Vienna and the surrounding regions. While May 2023 was hardly reminiscent of summer dreams with lots of rain and cool temperatures, June experienced a real temperature storm and was the third warmest June of all time in Austria. These extreme weather conditions are not only a sign of current climate change, but also a harbinger of future challenges such as courier reported.

The European hosts are not alone with these extreme weather events. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), the economic damage caused by weather-related extreme events in 38 European countries will amount to more than 45 billion euros in 2023. In recent years the damage has been even higher, and since 1980 it has exceeded 790 billion euros in Europe. Damage caused by floods, storms, wind and hail in particular are among the main causes of financial loss, while the topic of insurance is often neglected. Many losses are not insured and therefore grow faster than the insured losses, such as EEA determines.

Economic impacts and climate change

People's health is also at risk. Between 1980 and 2023, most deaths were caused by heatwaves, droughts and wildfires. However, it should be noted that many causes of death cannot be directly attributed to heat, which makes evaluation difficult. Climate change has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, economies, health and general well-being in Europe, as the EEA describes.

In addition, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and have once again caused devastating damage not only in Austria but also in Germany. June here is a tangible example of this extreme weather situation. Heat waves and heavy rain are no longer the exception, but the rule. The question that arises here is: How well prepared are we for such extreme weather conditions? The WWF points out that climate-related extreme weather events are not only becoming more likely, but their intensity and frequency are constantly increasing.

To prevent the climate crisis from worsening, it is essential to take proactive measures. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report urgently warns that humans are the main cause of climate change. Without a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, coastal flooding, which previously only occurred once every 100 years, could become an annual reality in the future.

Future outlook

The forecasts are not exactly rosy: Overall, the Mediterranean regions are the most affected and must expect greater damage from climate-related extreme weather events. Health risks from climate-related illnesses and a steady increase in injuries and infections are also on the agenda. The EEA highlights the need to better coordinate various climate protection policies and to expedite the implementation of the EU climate change adaptation strategy.

Given this challenging situation, it is time not only to talk about the dangers of climate change, but also to take active action. Whether through the expansion of renewable energies or the development of better adaptation strategies - every measure, no matter how small, can help mitigate future storms and their devastating effects.