Brussels wants to better equip Europe against weather extremes

The European Commission has proposed a new law to help EU countries manage climate change risks and impacts, emphasizing the need for resilience against extreme weather events. Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra highlighted the severe consequences of recent climate extremes, including thousands of heat-related deaths and significant economic losses. The proposal aims to enhance local and regional adaptation efforts, requiring an estimated €70 billion annually for climate risk adjustments. The Commission plans to streamline administrative processes and improve climate risk assessments, while also introducing tools like the European Climate Viewer to assess climate hazards. Additionally, initiatives such as a heatwave plan and a climate insurance alliance are part of the strategy to bolster Europe's resilience against climate change.