The entire world is getting warmer due to climate change. But Europe is warming at almost twice the rate of other continents. Burning fossil fuels is increasing carbon emissions into the atmosphere and trapping excess heat. Thousands of people have already died in heatwaves in Europe this summer.
Europe is now about 2.5 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times—about twice the global average. Four main factors are at work: changing weather patterns, proximity to the Arctic, reduced snow cover, and reduced air pollution.
Changes in atmospheric flow patterns over Europe are leading to an increase in intense and prolonged heat waves in the summer. In June 2026, Europe experienced a severe heat wave due to a ‘heat dome’. The link between climate change and changes in air flows, including the jet stream, is also becoming increasingly clear.
The Arctic is the fastest warming region on Earth. Europe is also more affected by this because it is closer to the Arctic.
The loss of snow is also a factor in the increase in temperatures. Snow reflects sunlight and keeps the ground cool. But climate change is rapidly reducing snow cover in Europe. In March 2025, Europe’s snow cover was about 1.3 million square kilometers below the long-term average.
One reason is the reduction in air pollution. While pollution has its harmful effects, air particles used to reflect sunlight, creating some cooling. In Europe, the reduction in air pollution has also reduced that cooling effect. As a result, the heat trapped by carbon dioxide is becoming more apparent.
Scientists are still not sure which of these four factors is responsible. But rapid warming is increasing the risk of death, wildfires, droughts, extreme weather events and floods. The UN climate chief, Simon Steele, has called for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions, switch to renewable energy and protect people from heatwaves.
