News Archive
IPCC released special report on the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate
25 Sep 2019This special report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the urgency of prioritizing timely, ambitious and coordinated action to address unprecedented changes in the ocean and cryosphere. The report reveals the benefits of ambitious and effective adaptation for sustainable development and, conversely, the escalating costs and risks of delayed action.
Global warming may diminish European plant genetic variety
10 Sep 2019A team of researchers studied one plant species from various locations in Europe and found that only few of the varieties had enough mutational ability to adapt to heat and drought. Genetic information for most plant species is still lacking, but new methods will enable scientists to make predictions on plant genetic fitness in times of climate change.
Natural ways of cooling cities
06 Sep 2019Heat reduction strategies vary with the regional climate. Data from 30,000 cities worldwide show that planting trees is not effective everywhere. City planners need to take the local microclimate into account. In a wet tropical climate it makes urban areas more humid: other cooling methods like wind circulation and use of shadow can be used. In desert-like conditions careful planting helps.
Climate change threatens future of farming in Europe
04 Sep 2019Crop and livestock production is projected to decrease and may even have to be abandoned in parts of Europe’s southern and Mediterranean regions due to the increased negative impacts of climate change.
Guidance released on working with nature to resolve urgent societal challenges
04 Sep 2019The European Commission has published two new guidance documents implementing the Commission’s action plan for nature, people and the economy. These documents are intended to help policymakers, planners and businesses solve socio-economic challenges, while also protecting and restoring Europe's nature.
Managing the impact of climate change: First International Standard for adaptation published
01 Sep 2019'ISO 14090, Adaptation to climate change - Principles, requirements and guidelines', is the first in a range of ISO standards that aims to help organizations assess climate change impacts and put plans in place for effective adaptation. The standard will also be implemented as a European standard.
Climate Change Affects Floods in Europe
29 Aug 2019A large international research has demonstrated for the first time that climate change has an impact on the magnitude of river floods. However, it does not have the same effect on floods everywhere: In northwestern Europe, floods are becoming increasingly severe, in southern and eastern Europe flood magnitudes mostly tend to decrease.
Survey launched on use of the C3S Climate Data Store
15 Aug 2019The Climate Adaptation Partnership under the Urban Agenda has developed a public survey. This survey has been set up to establish how cities and municipalities can effectively use the climate data made available via the Climate Data Store (CDS) of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) to develop their climate adaptation plans. Based on this survey, training sessions will be set up, tailored to the needs of cities.
Joint report between EEA, JRC and DG Environment: Strategic Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Restoration
12 Aug 2019The report analyses data and tools for mapping and measuring green infrastructure and ecosystem services, with case demonstrations looking into climate change adaptation.
Heatwaves test the limits of energy and water systems in Europe
12 Aug 2019Heatwaves are affecting the supply of water, which is essential for cooling power plants and for the production of fuels and hydropower. A Joint Research Centre analysis proposes actions for addressing this kind of problems in EU energy and water policies.