European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans for new measures to help the European Union (EU) respond to the growing effects of climate change following record heatwaves in recent months.
Von der Leyen disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, saying recent summer months had been the hottest ever recorded.
She said the European Commission would unveil a new strategy in October aimed at strengthening the bloc’s response to climate-related risks.
According to her, the strategy would identify 100 areas across Europe considered most vulnerable to climate change and outline how the risks facing them should be managed.
Von der Leyen said the approach would involve all levels of society, from European institutions to local communities.
She also announced plans to improve insurance coverage for losses caused by climate-related disasters.
The Commission is further expected to present a European heatwave plan following more than 35,000 additional deaths recorded during heatwaves this year.
The plan will include improved early-warning systems, stronger health-sector emergency preparedness and measures to help cities adapt to rising temperatures and provide cooling.
Von der Leyen also announced plans for a European water initiative aimed at securing reliable long-term supplies of water and food.
She said Europe’s water networks currently lose almost one in every four litres, largely because of leaks.
The Commission president stressed that reliable water supplies were crucial to agriculture and livestock, noting that entire harvests depend on adequate water availability.
