Cleaner air, higher temperatures: why Europe is overheating despite environmental struggles

Europe is entering a new climate era: 2024 is the warmest year on record. According to a joint report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), temperatures on the continent have broken all previous records. In an interview with RTL Radio, Luxembourg-based climatologist Andrew Ferrone calls this alarming phenomenon a "paradox of purity".

According to him, despite the obvious health benefits, improved air quality has played an unexpected role: a reduction in the concentration of aerosol particles that reflect solar heat has led to accelerated atmospheric heating. Southern Europe is particularly vulnerable, where heat waves and droughts are intensifying, says the expert, who represents Luxembourg on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Ferrone emphasises that Europe must prepare not only for heat waves, but also for sharp climate contrasts - extreme rainfall and prolonged droughts at the same time. This requires a comprehensive approach that includes both reducing emissions and adapting to the changes that are already inevitable.

He reminds us that the goal of keeping global warming within 1.5°C is only possible if carbon neutrality is achieved by 2050 - and this should be a priority for all sectors of society, from individuals to large companies.

Adaptation is on the move: according to Ferrone, 51 per cent of European cities have climate plans - almost double the number in 2015. However, the pace of implementation varies widely.

The plans include immediate measures, such as recommendations to protect against heat - stay outdoors at midday, drink more water - and long-term infrastructure solutions: greening cities, combating the heat island effect, improving drainage and storing carbon in vegetation.

Ferrone particularly singles out Paris, Milan and the Dutch municipalities, where a competitive approach is in place: each year, cities compete to increase the proportion of green space.

In the Grand Duchy, the first phase of the update of the national climate adaptation strategy was finalised at the beginning of 2025. There is now a public consultation where every resident can make suggestions - online or face-to-face at regional meetings. According to Ferrone, this is not a formality: citizens' opinions influence practical implementation.

The new strategy takes into account regional differences, from urban heat risks in Luxembourg to agricultural and natural hazards in the north of the country. The Corps of Fire and Rescue Engineers (CGDIS), which integrates local knowledge into the emergency response system, is also involved in the development.