A new series of reports published recently by the World Bank in partnership with the European Commission paints a troubling picture of Europe’s readiness to handle the effects of climate change over the coming years.

Among the most alarming findings, the World Bank reports that the European Union could lose seven per cent of its GDP dealing with the impacts of climate change by the 2030s.

The reports, themed ‘Economics for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness in Europe’ look closely at how  Europe faces overwhelming losses and destruction from climate-related disasters as the continent is warming faster than any other region in the world, and how overlapping priorities, limited funds, focused and smart investments are needed to strengthen and adapt critical sectors across Europe to disaster and climate risks.

This Special Report examines some of the critical issues highlighted by the research studies.