The upcoming European Parliament elections have sparked debates on several pressing issues, including security, collective debt, power structures, and climate change. However, amidst these discussions, climate change has been overlooked as a crucial topic that requires urgent attention.
In Finland, the unusually hot and dry weather in May has brought to light the importance of addressing climate change. The agricultural sector in Finland is struggling with drought and heat, making it difficult for crops to grow. ProAgria, an association representing the agricultural sector, warns that if the dry spell continues, harvest expectations across the country will significantly decrease for all plants. Similarly, Central Europe, such as Germany, has been facing challenges with heavy rains and floods due to climate change. The European Environment Agency has identified floods as one of the most serious consequences of climate change in Europe. Tragically, around 200 people died in floods across Europe in 2021 due to climate-related disasters.
The impact of climate change is not limited to Europe alone; it has far-reaching effects on all aspects of society globally. The World Meteorological Organization reported that 2023 was among the hottest years on record globally, with a record number of extremely hot days occurring in Europe. This highlights the urgency of addressing climate change on a global scale. Despite this challenge posed by climate change, there is growing support for climate action among citizens and businesses. Surveys show that a majority of Europeans prioritize combating climate change over other issues like security and economy growth. Additionally, 90% of European companies have already taken steps to reduce their emissions towards transitioning into a greener economy.
Looking ahead to the next term in the EU Parliament elections will be crucial for tightening EU’s climate goals in line with its carbon neutrality objectives and implementing decisions made in previous terms regarding greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.
In conclusion, addressing climate change is a pressing issue that requires urgent action at both regional and global levels. It’s time for policymakers to prioritize taking concrete steps towards reducing carbon footprint and mitigating its catastrophic effects on our planet’s future generations.
