European early warning systems would help against natural disasters

Alert systems would warn Europe against natural disasters and help minimise their effects. This was the message Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, gave at a public hearing in the European Parliament today in Brussels. The hearing, 'Natural Disasters - How should Europe Respond' focused on how the EU could best prepare for future events.

The EEA has mapped the effects of natural disasters in Europe between 1998-2003. During this period, for example, Europe suffered about 100 damaging floods causing 700 fatalities, the displacement of about half a million people and at least 25 billion EUR in insured economic loss.

The Environment Commissioner, Stavros Dimas, and Commissioner for Regional Policy, Danuta Hubner, also addressed the hearing, and victims of recent disasters in Europe attended.

See -

• Address by Professor Jacqueline McGlade Executive Director of the European Environment Agency


• 'Mapping the impact of recent natural disasters and technological accidents in Europe' (2004)


• 'Impacts of Europe's changing climate' (2004) will also be circulated at the hearing.


• EEA Briefing 3/2005 - Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in Europe