Ans. While global temperatures have risen considerably due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, the rate of warming is not uniform across the planet. Europe, in particular, has experienced warming at approximately twice the global average. The 2024 European State of the Climate Report, published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization, highlights this concerning trend.

Current Context and Key Observations

2024 was the warmest year on record, both globally and for Europe.
Eastern Europe experienced record-breaking heat, while Western Europe witnessed more cloud cover and rainfall.
Southeastern Europe recorded its longest heatwave ever.
The global average temperature has increased by ~1.3°C above the pre-industrial baseline (1850–1900), with 2024 breaching the 1.5°C mark.
In contrast, Europe's average annual temperature has increased by ~2.4°C, leading to a surge in extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and reduced cold stress days.
There was a record increase in the European region experiencing fewer than 90 days of sub-zero temperatures.

Factors Contributing to Europe’s Rapid Warming

Proximity to the Arctic and Polar Amplification
1. A significant portion of Europe lies close to the Arctic, which is warming nearly four times faster than the global average.
2. The Arctic amplification effect — where melting ice reduces surface reflectivity (albedo) and leads to more heat absorption — accelerates warming in nearby regions.
Reduction in Aerosols
1. Stricter environmental regulations have led to reduced emissions of aerosols (tiny particulate pollutants).
2. While beneficial for public health, aerosols have a cooling effect by reflecting sunlight. Their reduction has resulted in less atmospheric cooling and more heat absorption, thereby intensifying warming.
Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect
1. Rapid urbanisation has led to the creation of heat-retaining infrastructure like concrete and asphalt in European cities.
2. This phenomenon intensifies warming locally, particularly during summer months, and contributes to regional temperature spikes.
Changes in Atmospheric Circulation Patterns
1. Altered jet streams and atmospheric circulation have made summer heatwaves more frequent and intense in Europe.
2. These patterns trap heat over the continent, leading to prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Higher Sea-Surface Temperatures (SSTs)
1. Adjacent seas like the Mediterranean and North Sea have experienced above-average SSTs.
2. Warmer seas contribute to warmer air masses, intensifying coastal and inland temperatures.
Melting Glaciers and Loss of Snow Cover
1. Accelerated glacier melt, especially in the Alps and Scandinavian regions, contributes to the albedo effect, reducing the Earth’s ability to reflect solar radiation.
2. Less snow and ice mean more heat absorption, further warming the region.
Geographical and Climatic Sensitivity
1. Europe’s mid-latitude location makes it particularly sensitive to shifts in global climate patterns.
2. Complex topography and dense population centers exacerbate the impacts of warming and increase vulnerability.

Europe’s rapid warming — nearly twice the global average — is driven by a combination of natural geographic factors, human-induced emissions, and climate feedback mechanisms. While efforts to improve air quality by reducing aerosols have had positive health outcomes, they have also unintentionally accelerated warming.

Moving forward, adaptive planning, green infrastructure, and regional climate resilience strategies will be essential to mitigate the unique challenges posed by Europe’s warming trajectory.

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