Can you imagine our summers getting even hotter and snow-covered mountains becoming a distant memory? The impacts of climate change are, now being felt all over the planet – including the Mediterranean. Extreme weather events are here and we are experiencing them every day (heatwaves, frequent and intense forest fires, droughts and floods).
Scientists have confirmed that human activities are the primary driver of climate change, primarily due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sectors such as electricity generation, industry, and transportation. Global average temperatures have already increased by approximately 1°C, and projections indicate a further rise of over 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if current emissions trends persist.
Despite these alarming forecasts, a solution is within reach: a swift and substantial reduction in GHG emissions. Recognising this urgency, the EU has established the Fit-for-55 framework, aiming to cut GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Achieving this ambitious goal demands immediate and decisive action from all Member States. Cyprus, in alignment with the EU’s Fit-for-55 package, is committed to reducing GHG emissions by at least 32% compared to 2005 levels by 2030.
Our organisation, with the support of the European Climate Foundation (ECF) is actively engaged in promoting the implementation of Cyprus’ National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for 2021-2030. This involves public awareness campaigns and advocacy for robust government policies. We are closely monitoring the government’s actions to address climate change and participating in the NECP revision process to advocate for ambitious targets and effective implementation strategies. Our goal is to optimise the NECP’s impact by proposing strategies that leverage state budgets and EU funding.
We hope that by actively participating in the Parliamentary Committees and in various public consultations and meetings with politicians and technocrats related to the implementation of the NECP, we will push for more decisive climate and energy policies, but also for the inclusion of ambitious climate measures in the state budget. During the course of the programme, a simultaneous effort will be made to raise awareness and inform the public through press releases, events and social media posts.