Particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change is Cyprus, said the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, at an event of the Meteorology Department at the Radio Stations Station on the Sea, for World Meteorological Day.
The Minister noted that the Government is implementing a series of measures aimed at addressing climate change and improving resilience to its impacts across society.
She added that Cyprus, as an island state located in an area classified by climate projections as a “warm region,” is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and changes in weather patterns pose serious threats to the environment, economy, and society, she said.
The Minister emphasized that the Government, with the contribution of the Meteorology Department, is implementing a series of measures aimed at tackling climate change and improving resilience to its impacts across society.
Strengthening scientific research, developing national adaptation strategies, and informing and raising public awareness are key priorities for improving climate conditions, she said.
“In Cyprus, a country that often faces the consequences of the climate crisis, it is vital to implement adaptation and resilience measures. It is essential to strengthen our structures and implement solutions that will allow us to effectively manage climate risks, while improving the quality of life of our citizens,” she stressed.
She identified as essential priorities the enhancement of the climate resilience of natural ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity.
Through the restoration and preservation of natural resources, such as wetlands and forests, we can address climate change while maintaining high levels of water and air quality.
Maintaining these natural barriers can offer significant protection from the impacts of extreme weather events, while also enhancing economic resilience, she noted.
“The need for an integrated approach to water resource management is also more pressing than ever. Adopting sustainable practices for water use and developing water-saving technologies are crucial for ensuring water availability for all, while simultaneously protecting the environment,” she said.
Additionally, Panayiotou pointed out that community participation and empowerment are essential elements for the success of any adaptation plan, with education and awareness being key pillars.
“Through the creation of an active and comprehensive management system, we can promote the changes needed for a more sustainable and climate-resilient society. Strengthening local communities with knowledge and tools for climate change adaptation and mitigation will enhance integrated risk management and preparedness for upcoming extreme weather events,” she noted.
World Meteorological Day is celebrated every year on March 23, in memory of March 23, 1950, the day the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization, a United Nations agency responsible for protecting human life and property from natural disasters caused by weather and climate, came into effect.
In her greeting, the Minister of Agriculture said that meteorology is a science with vital applications, from weather forecasting and protection from extreme phenomena to support for aviation, shipping, agricultural activities, security bodies, and government work for environmental protection.
She added that the global weather conditions over the past year argue that we can no longer rest.
The last nine consecutive months were the warmest ever recorded, she said, noting that the average global daily temperature on February 19, 2024, exceeded the milestone of 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average to reach 1.77 degrees Celsius.
At the same time, the average sea surface temperature is unprecedented, polar ice cover in both hemispheres has reached minimal levels, and many global records with negative impacts worldwide have been broken, she pointed out.
“Today we are faced with the necessity to decisively respond to the challenge of the climate crisis. Climate change is no longer a threat of the distant future but an undeniable reality with visible and immediate impacts on humanity and our planet. Therefore, we must act collectively to prevent or mitigate its effects on our daily lives,” said the Minister.
She emphasized that collective effort and determination to implement adaptation and mitigation measures for climate change are the only way to sustainable and equitable development in the future.
“Recognizing and integrating the need for climate resilience into our policies and strategies will ensure that Cyprus and Europe more broadly will remain pioneers in protecting their citizens and their well-being in an ever-changing world,” she concluded.
