Hungary has taken a significant step towards environmental protection with the election of Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party in April, which has brought renewed hope for addressing climate targets. This shift is already showing results, as the country recently established the Ministry for the Living Environment. This marks the first time in 16 years that environmental protection, nature conservation, and animal welfare have been placed at the forefront of national priorities.
The Hungarian scientific community has responded positively to this development. Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, a renowned climate researcher and professor at CEU, expressed enthusiasm about the new ministry. She highlighted that while there are still challenges such as restoring soil health, changing agricultural practices, and safeguarding forests, the commitment to these issues is a positive sign.
Europe’s energy crisis has once again underscored the continent’s reliance on fossil fuels. Soaring energy prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in Iran, have exposed vulnerabilities in Europe’s energy supply. In response, many countries are now focusing on increasing their renewable energy capacity.
Ürge-Vorsatz notes that this is the third energy crisis in a decade, following the post-pandemic rebound and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She argues that these repeated crises should serve as a wake-up call for governments to move away from centralized energy sources and invest in alternatives.
Alternatives exist for oil-based transport and gas-based heating, but the challenge lies in decarbonizing industries. The deeper issue, according to Ürge-Vorsatz, is how governments respond during crises. Instead of implementing long-term solutions, they often opt for temporary fixes that reinforce dependency on fossil fuels.
Every time a crisis hits, she explains, governments tend to focus on securing supplies rather than investing in insulation or reducing demand. Fossil fuel companies, in turn, continue to profit, reinforcing the status quo.
The consequences of inaction are becoming increasingly apparent, not only in rising energy bills but also in the form of higher temperatures. Hungary is experiencing record-breaking heat, with Budapest expected to see new temperature highs this summer. The city’s Chief Landscape Architect has warned that young trees may not survive the combined stress of heat and water shortages.
Copernicus data shows that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with Hungary warming even faster than the European average. Ürge-Vorsatz predicts that Budapest will eventually see 50 degrees Celsius, emphasizing that the question is not whether this will happen, but when.
Air-conditioned public spaces, known as climate shelters, are one response being adopted across European cities. However, Ürge-Vorsatz argues that these address symptoms rather than causes. The real problem lies in emissions from fossil fuels.
The urban heat island effect exacerbates this issue, making cities up to 10 degrees hotter than surrounding green spaces. Trees, she says, are the most effective tool for cooling cities through transpiration. Combined with better architecture and insulation, greening cities could reduce dependence on air conditioning and help manage heatwaves.
Adaptation measures, however, have limits. Without serious emissions reductions, the pace of warming will outstrip efforts to adapt. Ürge-Vorsatz warns that without drastic action, warming will continue.
Leading change requires bravery, especially given the political influence of the fossil fuel sector. It employs many people, generates significant tax revenue, and is a key part of many economies. Governments must make difficult decisions to transition away from fossil fuels, but short-term planning cycles and the need for visible results complicate this process.
Individual behaviour change also plays a role, though not in small acts like giving up a plastic straw. Collective action can send signals to governments and businesses. According to the IPCC, comprehensive shifts in human behaviour—such as adopting plant-based diets, using public transit, and reducing air travel—could theoretically cut global emissions by up to 70% by 2050.
Digital consumption is another underappreciated driver of energy demand. From streaming video to AI-generated content, the energy and water costs of the internet are largely invisible. Ürge-Vorsatz argues that those who generate excessive digital content should bear the cost rather than the average person.
A potential Super El Niño could further increase temperatures, though its impact on Europe is limited. While it could worsen extreme weather events in other regions, the underlying warming trend is driven by human emissions. As Dr Friederike Otto and Michael Mann emphasize, El Niño is a natural phenomenon that comes and goes, whereas climate change continues unless fossil fuel use is curtailed.
In summary, while natural factors like El Niño may add pressure, the real decisions lie in reducing emissions. Addressing climate change requires both individual and collective action, alongside bold government policies. The path forward is clear, but the urgency remains high.
