Extreme weather phenomena and climate change have cost the Cyprus economy some €390m over the period 1980 to 2016, of which only 2% was insured European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Aria Canete has said.

He was responding to a question submitted by Cypriot MEP Costas Mavrides (DIKO, S&D) who had noted that the impact of climate change was already manifest in Cyprus through the intensity and frequency of natural disasters and harmful phenomena.

As examples he cited fires, floods, dust and coastal erosion among other and asked whether the EU Commission was aware of the impact of climate change in Cyprus and whether there were any studies that had examined the size of the problem.

Responding, the Spanish Commissioner said that the European Environment Agency has calculated that the damage from extreme weather and climate phenomena in Cyprus between 1980 and 2016 was €390m. Of this only 2% of the damage was insured.
The latest studies indicate that Cyprus’ Mediterranean climate will become more arid, particularly if the Paris Climate Accord target of curbing global warming this century to below 2 C is not met. 

Even if temperatures rise by only 2 C, Cyprus may face drought and coastal damage – the latter calculated at €9m a year until 2050.
To deal with these challenges, the EU is supporting the preparation of Cyprus’ national adaptation programme through CYPADAPT of LIFE, he added.
Two other LIFE programmes currently offer support for the protection of public health and urban communities from climate change in Cyprus.

Moreover, the Common Agricultural Policy supports adaptation to climate change by minimising risks to agriculture with direct aid, joint marketing of agricultural products and Cyprus agricultural development project 2014-2020.

Commenting on the reply, MEP Mavrides said the numbers spoke for themselves and the risks were not just monetary losses. It was essential therefore to make the best of available tools to minimise the repercussions on public health, the environment and quality of life and to work on a long term plan on a European and global basis.