The study, conducted by the IPCC’s Working Group II and includes work from 310 expert scientists from 73 countries, warned that European nations face increase economic losses and more people affected by flooding in river basins and coasts, as urbanisation continues, sea levels rises and peak river flows increase.
It added that there is likely to be a “significant reduction in water availability” from river abstraction and groundwater resources, coupled with an increased water demand.
The report also warned that “extreme heat events” will lead to increased economic losses and impact on more people.
The IPCC stated that climate change is already having an impact on the natural environment and man, and that increased magnitudes of warming will increase the likelihood of “severe, pervasive, and irreversible impacts”.
It stated there needs to be “urgent action to reduce emissions to avoid dangerous climate change”.
Chris Field, co-chair of Working Group II, said: “With high levels of warming that result from continued growth in greenhouse gas emissions, risks will be challenging to manage, and even serious, sustained investments in adaptation will face limits.”
Energy secretary Ed Davey said “the UK is leading from the front” and has set some of the “most ambitious climate change targets in the world” as Britain does its part to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
He added: “We are investing in low carbon and energy efficiency technologies, with an increases focus on home-grown renewables, to reduce our reliance on foreign imports and create a sustainable supply of affordable energy for consumers and businesses alike.”