Territorial Effects of Climate Change on Europe’s Regions

Abstract

This paper presents findings from the ESPON Climate project, which conducted a comprehensive territorial assessment of climate change vulnerability across 1,350 European regions. Unlike sectoral studies, this research adopts a cross-sectoral and territorial perspective, combining ten climate change variables, 19 sensitivity indicators, and 15 adaptive capacity indicators. Results show that climate change vulnerability in Europe runs counter to territorial cohesion, with Southern and South-Eastern regions—already economically weaker—emerging as the most vulnerable. The study highlights the risk of deepening socio-economic disparities and calls for territorially differentiated adaptation strategies. Policy implications include the potential reallocation of EU funds to support the most vulnerable regions, thereby contributing to balanced territorial development. The paper concludes with methodological reflections and discusses the broader role of territorial analysis in shaping EU and regional climate policies.