Climate change, under the weight of human activity, the greenhouse effect and the ozone hole, is now a fact. The consequence of this change is the recording of more and more frequent extreme weather events, the greater exposure of people to them and, by extension, the occurrence of harmful effects on their health.
Under the lens of global climate evolution, the central slogan chosen by the World Meteorological Organization for this year's celebration of World Meteorological Day could not be more appropriate.
Under the lens of global climate evolution, the central slogan chosen by the World Meteorological Organization for this year's celebration of World Meteorological Day could not be more apt. Focusing on the climate crisis, the Organization links the evolving climate of the planet to the future climate and water as a source of life and how it will be available to future generations.
Cyprus, inevitably, is strongly affected by the phenomenon of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. According to the analysis of the objective observations kept by the Department of Meteorology, in our country, we see climate change progressing, with a further increase in average temperature both inland, coastal and mountainous areas, but also a general, relative decrease in the distribution of average cumulative rainfall. The above climatic characteristics are also observed and affect the regions of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, which, according to the World Meteorological Organization, are among the strongest climatic "hotspots" on the planet.
The impact of the effects of human activity on climate change is well known and well established, while the scenarios of climate evolution in the absence of decisive interventions are nightmarish. All states will have to rethink their economic development model in order to reverse the crisis course of our planet. It is well understood that taking global actions such as the circular economy, recycling, energy production from renewable sources and the decoupling of the energy sector from fossil fuels are actions in the right direction.
Recognizing the need to design a strategy that will encompass the above actions and achieve green growth, the Government of Nicos Christodoulides has placed high on its agenda the implementation of model green policies that will ensure the right of citizens to clean water and air. As the competent authority for the management of climate change and its effects, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment adopts and develops actions to create conditions for an efficient, green and competitive Cyprus, with the central objective of improving the quality of life of citizens in terms of sustainability. By making use of all European tools and funds, our aim is to achieve the ambitious environmental targets set out in the European Green Deal and to achieve a cleaner environment, contributing to the mitigation of the effects of climate change.
Dear friends,
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate and thank the Director of the Department of Meteorology and each and every one of the Officers staffing the Department for their contribution to the State's efforts to address the impacts of climate change. I would like to convey my personal support for your work and assure you that the Department will continue to stand by you and support you to the extent possible. Thank you.
(MQ)
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