Three priorities for evidence-based governance of heatwave events in Europe
Three priorities for evidence-based governance of heatwave events in Europe
Samenvatting
In this opinion piece, we establish some key priorities for evidence-based governance to address the increasing threat of heatwave events in Europe, particularly for human health. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) [1], Europe is warming faster than the global average. The year 2020 was the warmest year in Europe since the instrumental records began, with the range of anomaly between 2.53˚C and 2.71˚C above the pre-industrial levels. Particularly high warming has been observed over eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Climate change-related heatwaves are becoming a significant threat to human health and necessitate early action [2]. While financial resources and technological capacities are crucial to aid (local) governments in adapting to and proactively mitigating the threats posed by heatwaves, they are not enough [3]. Akin to flood responses, European countries must prepare for large-scale evacuations of vulnerable citizens (especially older adults living alone) from their homes. Here, we outline three priorities for Europe in the governance domain. These priorities encompass developing and rolling-out heat-health action plans, a stronger role for European Union institutions in regional heatwave governance, and creating a sense of urgency by developing innovative ways of communicating research findings to relevant policy makers and citizens.
Organisatie | De Haagse Hogeschool |
Afdeling | Faculteit Bestuur, Recht & Veiligheid |
Lectoraat | Lectoraat Multilevel Regulation |
Gepubliceerd in | PLOS Climate Vol. 3, Uitgave: 1, e0000335 |
Datum | 2024-01-16 |
Type | Artikel |
DOI | 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000335 |
Taal | Engels |