Europe is not prepared for a barrage of climate change risks, says the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Potential catastrophes including extreme heat, drought, wildfires and flooding threaten the stability of Europe’s energy and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, water resources, financial stability and people’s health.

Previous research from the World Meteorological Organization has found that Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world, which leaves it particularly exposed to climate risks.

The new assessment found that many of the risks have already reached “critical levels” and could become catastrophic without “urgent and decisive action”. It said that Europe’s policies and adaptation actions were not keeping pace with the growing risks.

In many cases, incremental adaptation will not be sufficient and urgent action may be needed even on risks that are not yet critical.

Some regions in Europe are hotspots for multiple climate risks, with southern Europe facing wildfires...