Most people in Cyprus recognise the need to adapt their lifestyle due to the effects of climate change, according to the annual Climate Survey commissioned by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The survey showed that among the challenges facing their country, Cypriot respondents ranked climate change third, after the cost of living and large-scale migration. Many believe that investing in adaptation now prevent higher costs in the future.
However, 98% of Cypriot respondents say it is important for their country to adapt to climate change, of whom 64% say climate change needs to be prioritized.
Furthermore, 93% agree that spending on climate adaptation is required urgently to avoid even higher costs in the future.
As natural disasters increase in frequency and severity, the economic toll of climate change continues to rise. Scientists warn that these disasters will become increasingly costly. Cyprus is already facing a number of significant weather events, including intense heatwaves, severe droughts and rising sea levels.
“Climate change is an undeniable reality that requires immediate action. The strong recognition among Cypriots of the need to adapt lifestyles reflects a critical understanding of the situation. By prioritising climate adaptation, we can turn challenges into opportunities: creating jobs, improving the economy and securing the future. The European Investment Bank Group is committed to supporting these efforts, empowering communities and promoting investments that will strengthen the country’s resilience to the impacts of climate change,” said EIB Vice-President, Kyriacos Kakouris.
On adaptation to climate change is also considered an economic opportunity and a long-term investment, 96% of respondents (compared to the EU average of 86%) say that investing in climate change adaptation can create jobs and boost the local economy, whereas 93% (compared to the EU average of 85%) believe that adapting to climate change requires investment now to avoid higher costs later.
Inter alia, on impact of climate change and new habits, Cypriots respondents recognise the economic opportunities that climate change adaptation measures present, while first-hand experiences of extreme weather events add to the sense that urgent action is required 99% (19 points above the EU average of 80%) have experienced at least one extreme weather event in the last five years. Furthermore 49% stated that they have suffered from extreme heat and heatwaves, 39% (18 points above the EU average of 21%) have faced wildfires and 30% have seen heavy storms or hail.
According to the survey, Cypriot respondents identified the need to educate the public on which behaviours to adopt in order to prevent or respond to problems caused by extreme weather events, as a top key priority for local climate adaptation. Improvements on infrastructure came second with 455, whereas cooling cities down came third with 42%.
The EIB, the climate bank, released the seventh annual EIB Climate Survey today. The survey contains the views of over 24 000 respondents. Since its inception in 2018, it has provided valuable insight into how people in the European Union and the United States feel about climate change. This year’s survey was run by BVA Xsight from 6 to 23 August 2024. Respondents could complete it online by computer, tablet or mobile phone.
(Story by Gregoris Savva of Cyprus News Agency)
