JRC science for policy report: Climate change impacts and adaptation in Europe

The primary purpose of the PESETA IV study is to better understand the implications of climate change for the EU. Looking at a range of impact categories, this report communicates what sectors and regions of the EU could be most affected and how mitigation and adaptation options can avoid the adverse effects of climate change.

Key findings are divided into the following four categories (pp. 4-6):

• Ecosystems, people, and economies in the EU are projected to face major impacts from unmitigated climate change;
• The burden of climate change shows a clear north-south divide, with southern regions in Europe impacted more;
• Climate mitigation can considerably lower the impacts of climate change in the EU; and
• Climate change adaptation can reduce the unavoidable impacts of climate change in the EU in a cost-efficient way.