The European Union experienced its hottest combined year on record in 2023, according to a new scientific analysis, pointing to a more dangerous future for a continent that is already the world's fastest-warming.

Europe last year saw the largest wildfires on record and one of the costliest floods in history, according to scientists from the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization in their annual review of the region's climate. This year has seen no respite from extreme weather around the world, including severe flooding that hit Dubai and parts of Russia. (John Ainger, more at insurancejournal.com)