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The ClimateCost project estimates significant health risks for Europe under a medium-to-high emission (A1B) scenario, with heat-related mortality and coastal flooding causing the highest welfare costs. Heat-related deaths are projected to reach 127,000 per year by the 2080s, though this is reduced by acclimatisation and mitigation (E1 scenario). Salmonellosis cases and labour productivity losses are also expected to rise, particularly in Southern Europe. The report highlights that technical adaptation, such as sea dikes, can drastically reduce coastal flood fatalities, while other health adaptation measures remain under-researched.

The report finds that climate change will increase summer cooling demand and decrease winter heating demand in Europe, with the A1B scenario leading to significantly higher costs. While physical energy reductions in heating are larger than cooling increases, the higher cost of electricity for cooling makes the economic impacts more balanced. The study also identifies risks to energy supply, including reduced hydroelectricity generation and lower efficiency for thermal and nuclear power plants due to higher temperatures. Adaptation measures, such as low-energy buildings, are discussed but noted as having a low evidence base for cost-benefit analysis.

The document argues that the EU27 must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2020 and nearly 90% by 2050 relative to 1990 levels to meet its climate obligations. This requires a radical transition to renewable energy, the phase-out of fossil fuels and nuclear power, and significant improvements in energy efficiency across housing, transport, and agriculture. Additionally, the EU has an international obligation to finance mitigation in developing countries, estimated at 1% to 3% of its projected 2020 GDP. The brief concludes that while the costs are considerable, they are bearable and far lower than the potential economic losses from climate inaction.