Climate change is no longer just a distant threat to future generations, but a daily reality experienced by the vast majority of Europeans. A new large-scale report, jointly developed by the European The European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) provide alarming evidence of how exposed Europeans are to extreme weather events and how (un)prepared they are to face them. The survey, conducted in 2025 among more than 27,000 respondents in 27 EU countries, shows that while concerns about the future are growing, the actual implementation of protective measures at both household and municipal levels is significantly lagging behind the needs.

The reality of the last five years: Heat as the main enemy

According to the report's findings, up to 100 million people will experience at least one negative climate impact (such as heat waves, floods, forest fires or water shortages) between 2020 and 2025. 80.5 % respondents. The most prevalent problem is extreme heat. Almost half of respondents (49.7 %) said they felt too hot in their home, and more than 60 % felt unbearably hot outside in their neighborhood.

Geographical differences are significant – while Southern and Central Eastern Europe (including Slovakia) report the highest rates of experiencing climate impacts (over 85 %), Northern Europe shows slightly lower numbers. In addition to the heat, Europeans are also troubled by secondary manifestations of climate change, such as an increase in insect bites (mosquitoes and ticks), which was experienced by 34 % respondents, which also represents an increasing risk of the spread of infectious diseases.

Fear of the future and mental health

Fears about the future impacts of climate change are deeply rooted in European society. More than 52 % people express great or considerable concern about extremely high temperatures and almost 49% of % are concerned about forest fires. Women and young people aged 16 to 29 are the most concerned.

The report also provides important insights into mental health. Statistical analyses suggest that experiencing three or more climate disasters in a short period of time has a psychologically devastating impact similar to losing a job or becoming a single parent. Climate anxiety and stress from experiencing extremes are becoming a new challenge for public health systems.

Households trapped in unpreparedness

Despite high concerns, the level of household preparedness is low. One in five Europeans does not have any of the preventive measures in place at home (such as shading systems, insulation, insurance or an emergency package). The most common measures include improving shading (49.2 %) and insulating walls or roofs (47.6 %). Only 32 % respondents own or have had air conditioning installed in the last 5 years, which is effective in combating heat but energy-intensive.

A key obstacle to adaptation is the financial situation. More than 38% of all respondents said they could not afford to keep their home adequately cool in the summer. For people with low incomes and financial difficulties, this number rises to a frightening 66 %. This situation creates the phenomenon of so-called "thermal poverty", where the most vulnerable groups of the population are exposed to health risks without any possibility of escape.

The role of local governments: More warnings, less infrastructure

At the level of public administration and local governments, measures of a "non-infrastructural" nature dominate. The most frequently noted by respondents are early warnings and alerts for extreme weather (57.2 %) and awareness campaigns (42.5 %). Although these measures are cost-effective and save lives, they are not enough on their own.

Physical infrastructure preparedness is perceived to be weaker by citizens. Only 36% of % people noticed tree planting or improved access to greenery in their neighborhood, and just under a quarter noted flood prevention measures. The provision of cooling centers for the public during heat waves was reported to be minimal, although it is a critical tool for protecting health.

The Resilience Gap: Inequality as a Risk Catalyst

The EEA and Eurofound report highlights that the climate crisis is deepening social inequalities. Vulnerable groups – people with poor health, older people, renters versus homeowners, and low-income households – are disproportionately affected.

For example, respondents who struggle to make ends meet on a monthly income are four times more likely to report problems with access to drinking water and twice as likely to experience wildfires compared to wealthier households. Renters are half as likely to have measures in place such as insurance against extreme weather or their own backup power source, which is often caused by the problem of „split incentives“ where landlords are not motivated to invest in the comfort of their tenants.

Call to Action: From Planning to Implementation

The report's authors conclude that while the EU has a robust policy framework for adaptation, actual implementation on the ground is lagging behind the pace of climate change. Key recommendations for policymakers include:

1. Ensuring affordability of adaptation: State subsidies for insulation and shading systems must also be available to low-income groups, not just to owners of luxury properties.
2. Investments in sustainable cooling: Passive cooling of buildings and urban planning solutions (more greenery in cities) must be a priority to avoid overloading electrical networks with air conditioners.
3. Local level support: Cities and municipalities in rural areas need more funding and staffing to implement specific resilience projects.
4. Health protection: It is essential to integrate psychological support and health protection for the chronically ill into national climate strategies.

Without urgent action to protect the most vulnerable citizens, climate impacts risk further undermining the overall prosperity and well-being of European society. The current state of „overheating and unpreparedness“ is a wake-up call that requires systemic change across the finance, housing, insurance and public health sectors. JRi&CO2AI