Dr. Gündüz stated that Cyprus is prone to the effects of climate change due to its location in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, saying, “Eastern Mediterranean and Mediterranean countries are facing an average temperature increase, indicating that it will continue to rise in the future“.
Gündüz, indicating that hot weather conditions will occur in response to the increase in average temperature, said that the summer of 2023 was the hottest summer period recorded so far.
She emphasised that a 1.5-degree increase in average temperature means a 2-degree increase in the summer and a 1-degree increase in the winter, and with the increase in temperatures, hotter heat waves that will harm public health, agriculture, and water resources will occur.
Stating that there could be a 10-15% decrease in rainfall in Cyprus between 2020 and 2050 along with the current situation of rainfall, Gündüz said that these decreases would mainly occur during the spring and summer periods, which are predominantly dry.
She drew attention to the fact that the decrease in traditional water sources due to increased demand for drinking water and irrigation needs during the spring and summer months would largely lead to water supply problems in Cyprus.
According to scientific reports, Gündüz noted that about 57% of Cyprus is vulnerable to desertification and approximately 7% is experiencing irreversible effects, adding that the risk of desertification is projected to reach 72% by 2050. Gündüz, stating that approximately 85% of Cyprus is under the threat of desertification, reminded that recent floods in the country have caused material damages nationwide.
Gündüz pointed out that flood-related socio-economic losses are at greater risk and vulnerability due to increased variability in flood frequency, stating, “The increasing variability in flood frequency is also quite serious“.
Drawing attention to the forest fires that occur quite frequently during the summer months and have occurred recently, Gündüz noted that the risk of fire outbreaks will increase due to drought, desertification, and extreme temperatures. Gündüz recorded that irreversible damages to the country’s economy occur due to natural events, emphasising that the burning and waste of many trees have an impact on air quality and that there is a loss beyond economic damage.
