Cyprus at the Forefront of Climate Action: Cooperation With the UK and Sustainability Efforts

Dr Kyriacos Kouros

High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in the UK

Located in a climate hotspot, Cyprus is already feeling the impacts of climate change. This article outlines Cyprus’ efforts to achieve climate neutrality, its commitments under the European Green Deal, and its leadership in fostering regional cooperation through the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative (EMME-CCI).

The Urgency of Climate Action in Cyprus

Situated in a global climate change and environmental hotspot, Cyprus is witnessing the severe and escalating effects of global warming. Our wider geographical region of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East is currently facing prolonged heatwaves, extended droughts, and a rising frequency of wildfires and floods. These phenomena are not only devastating our forests but are also threatening the unique ecosystems and livelihoods of countless people.

At the same time, Cyprus continues to face the longstanding issue of Turkey’s 50-year occupation of the northern part of the island, which critically affects the availability of resources that could otherwise help address some of these challenges. Moreover, the current leadership of the illegal regime established by the occupying forces presents further obstacles, preventing the two communities from cooperating and confronting these challenges together. In the face of these compounded crises, Cyprus remains resolute in its belief that urgent, collective action is essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Cyprus’ Commitment to the Paris Agreement and European Green Deal

Against this dramatic backdrop, Cyprus has fully committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Paris Agreement, aiming for a climate-neutral world. The country is also working to fulfil its obligations arising from the European Green Deal (EGD), the European Union’s ambitious green transition project. In line with this commitment, last year, Cyprus agreed on stronger legislation to increase its renewables capacity, raising the EU’s binding target to 45% by 2030.

In 2020, Cyprus introduced a National Governance System for the European Green Deal, evolving from its National System for Energy and Climate. This structure coordinates national policy framework for the promotion and implementation of the EGD objectives, including monitoring progress towards meeting Cyprus’ climate commitments. Through legislative amendments, policy implementation and strategies enforced, Cyprus actively works to achieve the Green Deal targets.

Cyprus and the United Kingdom: A Partnership for Sustainability

In support of these efforts, Cyprus has strengthened cooperation with the United Kingdom through a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that establishes a strategic partnership the full spectrum of their bilateral relations, including shared priorities on climate change, and commitments made at COP28.

Both countries are also collaborating closely through initiatives such as the Powering Past Coal Alliance. Within the Commonwealth framework, and following the Heads of Government commitment in Kigali in 2022, Cyprus and the UK engaged constructively at the Commonwealth Oceans Ministerial Meeting, hosted by Cyprus in April 2024. The meeting aimed to establish principles for a future ‘Commonwealth Ocean Declaration’ and develop a roadmap for its adoption at the Samoa meeting in October 2024.

Long-Term Strategy for Climate Neutrality

To guide its transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050, Cyprus has developed a comprehensive strategy. The Department of Environment prepared the Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission (GHG) Development Strategy for 2050, which was adopted by the Council of Ministers in September 2022. This strategy serves as a roadmap for Cyprus’ climate and energy policies, aligning with the European Union’s collective goal for climate neutrality. The strategy focuses on innovative, yet realistic, technological applications, funding and research, ensuring that the transition is fair and socially just.

The Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative (EMME-CCI)

Building on its strategic location and unique role as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Cyprus launched the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative (EMME-CCI) in 2019. This initiative brings together ten countries from the Middle East with the goal of fostering regional synergies to mitigate the impact of climate change in the region, aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

At the core of the EMME-CCI is the development of a detailed work plan, underpinned by two fundamental pillars:

1. Scientific Research Project:

A total of 240 scientists and experts, primarily from the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region along with representatives of international organizations, formed thirteen Scientific Task Forces to assess the current state of the region’s climate change. These teams identified gaps in research and policy, and developed a “toolkit” of potential actions to address the region’s climate challenges.

2. Intergovernmental Action Plan:

Based on the scientific recommendations, a Regional Action Plan (RAP) was developed. At COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh in November 2022, the Heads of States and Governments from participating countries, including Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman and Palestine, adopted a Political Declaration and the RAP.

Reviving the EMME Initiative

Recently, the Government of Cyprus, under the leadership of its President, decided to revive the EMME-CCI and operationalize the RAP, in cooperation with the participating countries. This collective effort is aimed at combating the global climate crisis through determination, cooperation and synergy. By working together, the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East can foster a paradigm shift, demonstrating that united efforts can leave future generations with a better, more sustainable world.

This is just one of the articles that will feature in the next edition of Chamber UK’s parliamentary journal – a Net Zero and sustainability special. In this journal, we have exclusive content from ambassador’s across the world, who share insights into their climate agenda, and relationship with the UK.

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