What could happen to Europe as Climate Change ramps up?

Flooding and droughts are two of the most significant, yet contrasting, impacts of climate change that are shaping Europe’s landscape today. As global temperatures rise, these extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, leaving a lasting mark on both the environment and human lives. 

Flooding is occurring more often due to intense rainfall, storm surges, and rising sea levels, causing rivers to overflow and coastal areas to be submerged. In 2021, Germany and Belgium experienced catastrophic floods that claimed over 200 lives, destroyed or damaged 40,000 homes, and disrupted entire communities. These floods not only damaged infrastructure but also posed health risks by contaminating water supplies, leading to outbreaks of Leptospirosis and caused aggravated issues for people living with a respiratory illness such as asthma due to the mold spores in damaged homes. Regions where flooding is not common are left with the humungous challenge of rebuilding, while facing the threat of future, potentially more damaging storms. Similarly, Hungary faced severe flooding in 2024, with heavy rains flooding the Danube and Tisza rivers, overwhelming large parts of the country. This unexpected disaster displaced thousands, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, and further accentuating how even regions once considered less vulnerable to such events are now facing the devastating impacts of extreme weather. 

While rising sea levels pose a threat to coastal communities, inland areas are also facing their own set of challenges. One of the most serious concerns is the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts, which will have severe implications for agriculture and water resources. In 2022, Italy declared a state of emergency in five northern regions due to one of the worst droughts in 70 years, which severely impacted agriculture. Warmer temperatures lead to faster evaporation, while reduced rainfall amplifies water shortages. These dry periods disrupt food production, cause energy shortages, and harm local ecosystems, making both environmental and economic crises worse. 

Both flooding and droughts represent two sides of the same climate change coin, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation strategies. 

Flooding can cause widespread problems in just a couple of hours, destroying homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Beyond the destruction of roads and power systems, floods also disrupt essential services, isolating entire communities. After the 2021 European floods, the financial toll was staggering, with damage exceeding €10 billion in Germany alone. The long-term recovery effort, particularly in agriculture and small businesses, continues to strain economies. 

The social impact is equally alarming, as the most vulnerable, those with fewer resources to rebuild, are often the hardest hit. Flooding leaves a lasting emotional and financial scar on communities, further emphasising the need for effective adaptation measures. 

While floods bring sudden destruction, droughts impose a slower, yet equally devastating toll. Water shortages in 2022 across Europe led to widespread agricultural losses, severely affecting wheat and olive oil production in Spain and Greece. Farmers are facing crop failures that threaten food security and drive-up prices, impacting both local and international markets. 

Droughts also endanger biodiversity and ecosystems, drying out rivers and lakes, and causing plants and animals to die. In France, the Rhône River's water levels dropped so low that it became difficult to cool nuclear reactors, disrupting the energy supply. Such events remind us that the consequences of drought go beyond agriculture—they affect our energy systems, water sources, and overall stability. 

If greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, we will face more frequent and severe weather events. Coastal communities in Europe are already at risk of being submerged due to rising sea levels, while inland areas will experience more extreme droughts. The primary sources of these emissions—fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes—are directly contributing to the intensification of these climate impacts. Inaction will lead to grim consequences for agriculture, food security, water availability, and public health. 

Heatwaves will intensify, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The economic and social cost of failing to address climate change will continue to mount, threatening both livelihoods and ecosystems across the continent. 

As a school community, there are small but meaningful changes we can make to help combat climate change. For instance, being mindful of how much food we take at lunch can help reduce waste, ensuring that we only request what we can eat. Choosing to walk or take public transportation to school also makes a big difference—not only is it better for the environment, but it can even improve focus and concentration, making it easier to study both in and out of school. Simple actions like turning off lights and devices when leaving a classroom can help conserve energy, and together, these efforts can have a positive impact on our planet. 

Floods and droughts are reshaping Europe’s environment, threatening homes, livelihoods, communities, and ecosystems. As a society, we have the power to shape our future, but right now, it doesn’t seem like enough of us fully realise that. The responsibility lies heavily with governments and large corporations, who hold the means to make substantial, and lasting change. While individuals can take action, it is the collective power of policy and industry that will ultimately determine the direction we go in. Real world events like the devastating floods in Germany and Belgium or the severe drought in Italy show that climate change is not a distant issue—it’s happening right here, right now. By adopting sustainable practices, investing in resilient infrastructure and raising awareness, we can mitigate the worst effects of climate change and protect our communities for generations to come.