Climate Threat Global Challenges

Climate change threatens the European way of life

Climate change and Europe's failure to address it threaten the European way of life. That is the conclusion of a new, heavy-handed EU report reported by The Guardian.

According to the report, which has been released every five years since 1995, Europe has made significant progress in reducing emissions, but climate change and the loss of wildlife are destroying ecosystems that support the economy.

The report notes, among other things, that 80 percent of Europe's protected areas are in poor condition and that the continent's ability to absorb carbon dioxide has decreased by 30 percent in ten years. In addition, emissions from the transport and food sectors have barely fallen at all since 2005, despite progress in other sectors.

– This ultimately endangers Europe's future prosperity, competitiveness and quality of life, says Leena Ylä-Mononen, head of the European Environment Agency, which is behind the report.

Extreme weather in Europe

Red warning for rain in northeastern Spain

A heavy downpour has descended on northeastern Spain, several media outlets report. The country's weather agency has issued the highest level of weather warning, red, along the coast in parts of Valencia and Catalonia. Less than a year ago, the same areas were hit hard by flooding.

Today's storm is a remnant of Hurricane Gabrielle, which hit Spain yesterday. However, today's torrential rain is expected to be even worse and in several places schools, libraries and parks are being closed. There are also reports of road closures and train delays.

Residents are advised to stay updated on which warnings apply and seek higher ground in case of flooding.