2023 European State of the Climate report - health findings

Europe experiences widespread flooding and severe heatwaves in 2023

In 2023, the impacts of climate change continued to be seen across Europe, with millions of people impacted by extreme weather events, making the development of mitigation and adaptation measurements a priority. To achieve this, understanding climate trends is vital. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), together with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), release the 2023 European State of the Climate report (ESOTC 2023). 

Published in partnership with: Copernicus

Key messages

2023 was the joint warmest or second warmest year on record depending on the dataset

Average sea surface temperature for the ocean across Europe was highest on record

Adverse health impacts related to extreme weather and climate events is rising

Alps saw exceptional glacier ice loss

Record proportion of actual electricity generation by renewables in Europe, at 43%.

The report provides descriptions and analysis of climate conditions and variations from across the Earth system, key events and their impacts, and a discussion of climate policy and action with a focus on human health. The ESOTC also includes updates on the long-term evolution of key Climate Indicators.

Key findings regarding temperatures in Europe:

• 2023 was the joint warmest or second warmest year on record depending on the dataset.
• Temperatures in Europe were above average for 11 months of the year, including the warmest September on record.
• 2023 saw a record number of days with ‘extreme heat stress’. There is an increasing trend in the number of days with at least ‘strong heat stress’ across Europe.
• Heat-related mortality has increased by around 30% in the past 20 years and heat-related deaths are estimated to have increased in 94% of the European regions monitored.

 
Key findings – European climate policy and action for health:

• The number of adverse health impacts related to extreme weather and climate events is rising.
• Evidence from the last decade shows generally good awareness but a low-risk perception of heat by the public, vulnerable groups and some health care providers.
• Initiatives such as the WMO Regional Climate Centre’s Climate Watch System, and other early warning systems, raise awareness of predicted extreme events to enhance societal preparedness.
• Health risk and adaptation differ between countries.
• Tailored climate services for the health sector are effective in increasing resilience, with significant potential for further development.
• Health adaptation can build on established health system infrastructures, but progress has been limited.