Articles | Volume 26, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-26-3345-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-26-3345-2026
Research article
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22 Jul 2026
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 22 Jul 2026

Europe's transport infrastructure is not ready to face climate change

Cristina Deidda, Arpita Asha Khanna, Wolfgang Schade, Chris Smith, and Wim Thiery

Data sets

Age-dependent extreme event exposure -- data accompanying journal publication W. Thiery et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5497633

Model code and software

2025\_Deidda\_etal\_NHESS VUB-HYDR https://github.com/VUB-HYDR/2025_Deidda_etal_NHESS

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Editorial statement
This paper provides policy-relevant insights into how climate extremes threaten transport infrastructure across Europe. Using a structured multi-hazard framework, it offers a Europe-wide assessment of the exposure of roads, railways, and inland waterways under different warming scenarios, showing that exposure to heatwaves, floods, and wildfires could increase substantially by mid-century. These findings are directly relevant to EU climate adaptation and transport policy, particularly for strategic investment in the TEN-T network. By translating complex climate data into actionable insights for infrastructure planning, the paper has strong potential to inform policymakers and engage the wider public.
Short summary
Climate extremes like floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires are disrupting Europe’s transport. This study combines a review of past events and future projections to assess current losses and the future exposure of transport infrastructure. Exposure to extremes is projected to rise, but lower emissions can reduce it. Urgent action is needed to reduce emissions and adapt the Trans-European Transport Network to a changing climate.
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