PREVIEW

EU Risk Assessment Warns Continent Unprepared For Climate Threats. On March 11, the European Environment Agency released its first-ever risk assessment for the EU, warning that the bloc is unprepared for growing climate risks. 'The Independent' reports that the agency warned the bloc will be susceptible to more frequent and more punishing extreme weather. The risks include increased wildfires and droughts, in addition to unusual rainfall patterns and more flooding. The agency warned the bloc urgently needs to address these issues in order to protect its energy, food, water and health security. Leena Ylä-Mononen, the EEA's executive director, warned that these climate threats “are growing faster than our societal preparedness”. The agency's assessment reportedly identified 36 major climate risks that included threats to ecosystems and economies. The agency found eight of these issues require urgent attention, including securing relief funds for disasters and protecting people and infrastructure from climate threats. 'The Independent' reports that Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating up at twice the rate of other regions since the 1980s. The agency warns that without decisive action, many of these threats could prove to be catastrophic. On March 12, the European Commission is expected to present its plan of action to respond to the threats presented by the report. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT