Published on: 2026-08-28
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 28, 2026 Climate and Environment
According to the European Drought Observatory, currently 50 percent of the territory of the European Union and the United Kingdom is experiencing drought conditions of varying degrees. A critical deficit of precipitation is causing a sharp decrease in soil moisture and deterioration of forest conditions.
Combination of adverse factors
As reported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the combination of prolonged drought, heat stress, increased risk of forest fires, as well as secondary threats including the widespread spread of bark beetles and phytopathogenic diseases, is leading to unprecedented drying of forests across the entire region.
In Western and Central Europe, a historic precipitation deficit—with some areas experiencing the longest and most persistent annual deficit in over 60 years—has caused widespread leaf loss and damage to the forest canopy.
The impact of the “urban heat island”
These trends compound already existing problems. According to the baseline data of the UN ECE Forest Sector Outlook 2025, up to 73 million hectares of forests in the region have been affected at various times by insects, diseases, and adverse weather events.
At the same time, trees in cities across the region are experiencing the combined effects of the extreme “urban heat island” effect and water scarcity. This threatens air quality, public wellbeing, and the ability of cities to withstand the impacts of climate change.
From response to preventive measures
In the face of increasing risks, the UNECE member states are moving from crisis response to preventive long-term adaptation strategies.
Within the framework of the UN ECE Committee on Forests meeting, which will take place from November 4 to 6, 2026, countries are working on pilot reporting methodologies to track damage caused by abiotic factors – droughts, hurricane winds, and forest fires – as well as biotic factors, including pests. This will enable transparent data sharing and prompt necessary actions.
Municipalities actively use initiatives such as Trees in Cities Challenge to expand sustainable urban tree cover, reduce heat stress, and integrate living green infrastructure into urban planning.
UN ECE Support
UNECE platforms also help the forestry sector adapt to structural changes by promoting the cyclical use of wood and optimizing production and distribution chains of forest products. The goal is to support economic stability amid unstable raw material supplies.
By strengthening cross-border cooperation and implementing integrated landscape management, the UNECE and its member states jointly work to preserve the ecological integrity and economic viability of forests for future generations.
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