The European Union is set to launch a pioneering service designed to measure the impact of climate change on extreme weather events across the continent. The initiative, part of the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, marks the first time the bloc will maintain a continuous system for weather attribution, rather than relying on ad-hoc studies.

The new service will assess events such as heatwaves, floods, and heavy rainfall, determining how much human-driven climate change contributed to their severity. Using advanced climate modeling, scientists will compare real-world conditions with a counterfactual scenario absent greenhouse gas emissions, providing a clearer picture of climate-driven risks.

Funded with €2.5 million over three years, the service will produce two assessments each month, with results released within a week of major weather events. Officials say this rapid analysis will support governments, insurers, and other stakeholders in policy-making, risk assessment, and disaster planning.

“This is about transparency and accountability,” said an EU climate official. “When extreme weather strikes, we will have a systematic way to determine what role climate change played, helping policymakers and communities prepare for the future.”

Beyond policy, the service could have legal implications. Attribution data may strengthen climate-related litigation, providing evidence for communities and governments seeking compensation for climate-related damages.

While attribution science remains complex and involves some uncertainties, EU officials are confident the initiative will set a new standard for climate monitoring and international cooperation. Partnering with national weather services and organizations such as the UK Met Office, the EU aims to provide consistent, reliable data on the changing climate across Europe. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.