Physical Climate Risks
The EU Taxonomy's Appendix A (Delegated Regulation 2021/2139) classifies 28 physical climate hazards into chronic and acute categories. Every Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) must screen for these hazards.
Chronic Hazards
Long-term shifts in climate patterns that gradually affect building performance.
Heat stressTemperature
Changing temperatureTemperature
Temperature variabilityTemperature
Ocean acidificationWater
Saline intrusionWater
Sea level riseWater
Changing precipitation patternsWater
Coastal erosionSolid mass
Soil degradation and erosionSolid mass
SolifluctionSolid mass
Permafrost thawingSolid mass
Acute Hazards
Event-driven risks from extreme weather that can cause immediate damage.
Heat waveTemperature
Cold wave / frostTemperature
WildfireTemperature
Tropical cycloneWind
Storm (incl. blizzard, dust, sand)Wind
TornadoWind
DroughtWater
Heavy precipitationWater
Flood (coastal, fluvial, pluvial, groundwater)Water
Glacial lake outburstWater
LandslideSolid mass
SubsidenceSolid mass
AvalancheSolid mass
Heat stress is the #1 urban climate risk
Urban areas amplify heat-related hazards through the heat island effect. Understanding microclimate conditions at your building site is essential for a robust CRVA.