How climate change affects Luxembourg's businesses and people

Among the rise in average temperatures globally and natural disaster warnings in Luxembourg, there is an upsurge in interest, potentially even suspense, as to how the future might look. While this June seems rather wet and grey, last year's June stood out as being the hottest and sunniest since weather recordings at Findel Airport started.

The reality is that the effects of climate change are increasingly felt on both global and local scales. So - what does this mean for Luxembourg and its citizens? And why should it matter to businesses?
 
Since 1950, the average temperature in Luxembourg has increased by 1.5°C, and experts predict further rises. A common misconception is that cooler, rainier summers, like this year, mean the country isn't warming.

However, it is the average temperature that counts. While summers might occasionally be cooler and wetter, winters are becoming warmer and shorter, raising the overall average temperature. This change disrupts the delicate balance of nature's ecosystem.

Due to its landlocked nature, Luxembourg is at an increased risk of unpredictable hazards such as heat waves and flash floods. These events can disrupt agricultural production, destroy essential infrastructure like sewage systems, contaminate groundwater, and even spark wildfires.

Luca Mathias, a meteorologist at MeteoLux, expressed deep concern for the elderly and other vulnerable populations during future heat waves. He noted that many hospitals and elderly homes are ill-equipped to handle extreme heat. Mathias emphasized the urgent need for more cooling systems in medical facilities, increased vegetation in urban heat hotspots, and practical heat maps to help vulnerable people find cooler spaces during heatwaves.

Heatwaves and flash floods are not just personal concerns, but are becoming a significant concern for businesses. According to RISK2050, climate change has already cost Luxembourg a staggering €1,252 million between 1980 and 2022. Just over half of all firms in Luxembourg have reported that their business activities are already experiencing minor impacts due to the physical threats of climate change.

The economic sectors most exposed to this risk are agriculture, forestry, mining and quarrying, and construction. High temperatures can lead to more frequent breaks for rehydration and cooling off, slowing down the overall work process. When it gets too hot, working hours in these industries may decrease due to health concerns. The impact of these conditions should not be underestimated (both for employees and businesses).

Besides this, the implications of these climatic changes are far-reaching, affecting both the daily lives of citizens and the economic stability of the country.

Rising temperatures and extreme weather events pose direct threats such as increased strain on healthcare services during heatwaves and damage to infrastructure from flash floods. Floods can led to significant disruptions in transportation and agriculture, highlighting vulnerabilities that require urgent attention.

As Luxembourg faces these challenges, experts express the necessity for proactive measures to safeguard both its people and its infrastructure from the escalating impacts of climate change.

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The United Nations suggests these simple tips, encouraging individuals who want to make a difference to start following them in their everyday lives:

• Save energy at home: much of electricity is powered by coal, oil and gas 
  
  • Switching to LED bulbs 
  • Washing laundry with cold water
  • Better insulation

• Transport:
  • Walk, bike or take public transport
  • Electric car
  • Far travel: reducing flights

• Reduce, reuse, recycle:
  • Buying from second hand shops
  • Repairing what can be repaired
  • Using less plastics

• Food related: 
  • Reducing meat consumption
  • Throwing away less food
    (Wasting resources used to produce, package, transport etc. that food and the food produces lots of methane when it rots in landfills)

• Ecosystem related:
  • Increasing native plants in your garden and decreasing non-native ones
    (Ecosystem: birds and insects will not eat non-native plants → loss of food source → loss of biodiversity)