A recent study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) has found that the deadly flooding in Central Europe earlier this month, which claimed the lives of 24 people, was exacerbated by human-induced climate change. Storm Boris brought unprecedented rainfall to countries including Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Austria, Czechia, Italy, and Germany, causing widespread devastation. The researchers noted that climate change made the storm more intense and more likely, with severe downpours at least twice as likely to occur due to global warming.
The cost of climate disasters in Europe is rapidly rising, with damages from the recent flooding estimated to reach billions of euros in countries such as Austria and Poland. While government aid and assistance have been pledged to affected communities, scientists warn that urgent action is needed to prepare for more frequent and intense weather events.
Professor Hannah Cloke from the University of Reading emphasized the importance of developing new ways to help people understand the risks associated with extreme rainfall. Additionally, tackling the sources of emissions that contribute to climate change is crucial in mitigating the impact of these disasters.
Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer at Imperial College London, highlighted the need for European politicians to prioritize climate commitments in order to combat the existential threat posed by climate change. Ending reliance on fossil fuels not only benefits the environment but also creates jobs, lowers energy bills, and reduces the risk of devastating events like floods. Ultimately, addressing climate change is necessary to create a better and safer future for all Europeans.
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