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- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to today's event organized by the Department of Meteorology on the occasion of World Meteorology Day.
World Meteorology Day is celebrated every year on 23 March, in commemoration of 23 March 1950, the date on which the Treaty establishing the World Meteorological Organization came into force. An important United Nations agency with the sole responsibility of protecting human life and property from natural disasters caused by weather and climate. This year, for yet another year, the global community celebrated the important contribution of meteorology to the progress of our society. Meteorology is a science with vital applications as it directly affects all areas of our daily lives. From weather forecasting and protection against extreme events, to supporting aviation, shipping, agriculture, security forces and supporting government work to protect the natural environment, the role of meteorology is crucial to security, prosperity and economic development.
Last year, World Meteorology Day focused on the theme "Weather and Climate: Working together for the future". This theme highlighted the critical importance of cooperation at all levels, from national to international, to address the challenges associated with climate change. This year's Meteorology Day theme is "At the forefront of climate action". The weather conditions across the globe over the past year suggest that we can no longer rest on our laurels. The last nine consecutive months have also been the warmest ever recorded: The global average daily temperature on 19 February 2024 surpassed the milestone of 1.5 degrees Celsius above the average during the industrial revolution to reach 1.77 degrees Celsius, the average sea surface temperature is unprecedented, the ice cover at the poles in both hemispheres has retreated to its minimum level, and too many global records have been broken with a negative impact on the entire planet.
Today we are faced with the need to respond decisively 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 consequences for humanity and our planet. That is why we must act collectively to prevent it or mitigate its effects on our daily lives.
Cyprus, as an island state located in a climate hot spot, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, rising sea levels and changing weather patterns pose serious threats to our environment, economy and society. Therefore, we look forward to the presentations that will follow to inform us about the important issues of warming, decreasing rainfall and desert dust storms that our country is facing.
The Government in line with what is set out in the governance programme to address climate change, and with the contribution of the Department of Meteorology, is implementing a number of measures aimed at addressing climate change and improving resilience to its effects across the board. Enhancing scientific research, developing national adaptation strategies and informing and raising public awareness are key priorities for improving climate conditions.
The European Union, recognising the growing need to effectively address climate risks, just last week published a communication highlighting a number of critical actions in areas such as natural ecosystems, water, health, food, infrastructure, the built environment and the economy. With this initiative, the EU seeks to strengthen our resilience and adaptability, reaffirming its leadership in the global effort to tackle the climate crisis.
Through continuous information and analysis of the risks we face, the EU is providing us with a solid framework for action. In Cyprus, a country that often faces the consequences of the climate crisis, it is vital that we implement adaptation and resilience measures. It is necessary 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.
Enhancing the climate resilience of natural ecosystems and protecting biodiversity are essential priorities. Through the restoration and conservation of our natural resources, such as wetlands and forests, we can tackle climate change while maintaining high levels of water and air quality. Maintaining these natural barriers can provide important protection from the impacts of extreme weather events, while also enhancing our economic resilience.
The need for an integrated approach to water resource management is also more urgent than ever. Adopting sustainable water use practices and developing water-saving technologies are critical to ensuring water availability for all, while protecting the environment.
In addition, community participation and empowerment are essential elements for the success of any adaptation plan, with education and awareness raising being key pillars. Through the creation of an active and integrated management system, we can promote the changes needed for a more sustainable and climate-resilient society. Empowering local communities with knowledge and tools for coping and adapting to climate change will enhance integrated risk management and preparation for upcoming extreme weather events. At this point, I would like to thank Mr. Tymbios and the staff of the Department of Meteorology for the initiative to organize today's event and for the important work they perform, their tireless work and their valuable contribution to vital issues concerning the weather and climate of Cyprus. The Department - with the dedication and professionalism of its staff - contributes decisively to the improvement of the daily life of society through daily information on weather forecasting, early warnings for the protection of the public and their property from extreme weather events and the support of climate change research with climate data. And for this we thank them.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that collective effort and determination to implement measures to adapt to and address climate change is the only way to sustainable and equitable development in the future. Recognising and integrating the need for climate resilience into our policies and strategies will ensure that Cyprus and Europe more broadly will remain at the forefront in protecting their citizens and their well-being in an ever-changing world.
(EN/NYAN/NZ)
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