More than eight out of ten Romanian respondents recognise the need to adapt their lifestyle because of climate change, according to the annual Climate Survey commissioned by the European Investment Bank (EIB). Among the challenges facing Romania, respondents ranked climate change second only to the increased cost of living. Many believe that investing in adaptation now will prevent higher costs in the future, according to The Diplomat.
From 14 to 16 September 2024, Romania was hit by severe flooding caused by Storm Boris, with the counties of Galați and Vaslui particularly affected. The floods resulted in at least seven deaths, thousands of evacuations, and damage to some 6 000 homes. The emergency response included military firefighters using boats and helicopters to rescue hundreds of people, while the government mobilised resources to help the communities that were affected.
As natural disasters increase in frequency and severity, the economic toll of climate change continues to rise. Scientists warn that these disasters will become increasingly costly. According to a report by the European Environment Agency, Europe is currently the fastest-warming continent, with the number of extreme weather events expected to increase as global temperatures rise. A higher number of extreme weather events poses a significant threat to infrastructure and the stability of global water and food supplies, underlining the urgent need for comprehensive climate change adaptation strategies.
“Adapting to climate change is not just a necessity for Romania – it is a strategic investment in the country’s future”, said EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. “The overwhelming recognition among Romanians of the need to act now underlines the urgency of our work. By prioritising climate adaptation, we can protect our communities, create jobs and build a more resilient economy. At the EIB, we are fully committed to helping Romania meet these challenges head-on, ensuring that today’s investments translate into long-term prosperity and stability for all”, says he.
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