Nicosia, Cyprus: Climate Summit and Election Insights
In April, Cyprus held a two-day international climate summit. Scientists, policymakers, and officials from 18 countries gathered to discuss pressing climate issues. However, shortly after, the country elected a new parliament without any Green party members for the first time since joining the EU.
At the summit, participants signed the Nicosia Call for Action 2026. This framework aims to enhance regional cooperation on climate change in an area recognized as highly vulnerable to its impacts.
Costas Papanicolas, Cyprus’s climate adviser, underscored the need to link climate science with actionable policy. Just days after the summit, he expressed concern about the future, stating that the outlook “does not look very optimistic.” He pointed to humanity’s role in the changing climate.
Scientists at the summit shared alarming data: since 2015, every year in Cyprus has been warmer than usual. They noted that in 2025, two-thirds of days exceeded average temperatures. A potential El Niño is forming, reminiscent of the 2007 water shortages Cyprus faced during a previous El Niño event.
The recent parliamentary elections saw a noticeable shift. The Green movement fell below the threshold for representation, leaving no environmental voice in the new legislature. This is a significant change, as environmental issues are often sidelined. Among the elected parties, many consider the environment a minor concern. Notably, two of the six winning parties do not even include environmental policies in their platforms. In this climate, the far-right party Elam significantly increased its seats and aimed to lead the environment committee.
Voters focused on pressing economic issues like soaring electricity bills, rising rents, and the increasing cost of food. Their choices reflected these financial struggles, prioritizing immediate living costs over long-term environmental policies.
This situation invites us to reflect on the broader context: as climate awareness grows globally, many regions still struggle to prioritize it amid economic challenges. The commitment to environmental issues must become more urgent, even when immediate concerns dominate. As society faces these challenges, the hope is that future elections will restore a stronger environmental presence in Cyprus’s parliament.
For further reading on climate change impacts, the World Meteorological Organization offers valuable resources and insights.
