Cyprus commits to EU's greenhouse gas emission targets

The participation of Cyprus in the ambitious climate target set by the European Commission for at least a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, based on the new package of European legislation Fit For 55, includes further emissions reductions in all sectors. From 2027 onwards, road transport and buildings will be included in the Emissions Trading System (ETS), significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fuel use in transportation and heating. In case the defined limits are exceeded, fines will be imposed.

The above was discussed at the seminar held at the House of Representatives on Friday, June 23, for an extensive discussion on climate policies in Cyprus, based on the new EU legislative package (Fit For 55), which is considered a milestone towards achieving the broader goal set by the European Union to become climate neutral by 2050. The importance of establishing a climate law in Cyprus for the successful and timely achievement of the new targets was emphasized during the seminar.

The need for the implementation of ambitious climate policies was highlighted by Dr. Theodoulos Mesimeris, Chief Environmental Officer at the Department of Environment. He specifically referred to the Emissions Trading System (ETS), which becomes even more ambitious after its recent revision. According to this revision, emissions will be further reduced in all sectors, and from 2027 onwards, road transport and buildings will be included in the ETS, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fuel use in transportation and heating. In case the defined limits are exceeded, fines will be imposed. Dr. Mesimeris also pointed out that excessive CO2 emissions in Cyprus' electricity generation alone resulted in a cost of approximately 247 million euros for 2022 due to the purchase of emission allowances from the EU.

Among the speakers was Theodota Nantsou, Head of Environmental Policy at WWF Greece and a collaborator of Terra Cypria. She mentioned that the goal is "zero," meaning the complete elimination of CO2 emissions, considering the adoption of a climate law in Cyprus as a means to achieve this goal. This can be achieved through the establishment of specific national targets for emissions reduction (beyond those defined by the EU), the formation of an independent scientific body to monitor the progress of climate policies, enhancing citizen participation, aligning economic sectors with climate goals, and adopting stronger policies for nature preservation.

At the same time, Ms. Nantsou emphasized that climate laws have already been implemented in 18 EU member states, including Greece (since 2020), making them a powerful tool for democratizing environmental policy. Referring to the milestones of Greece's climate law, she highlighted a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 80% reduction by 2040. Furthermore, the target for the country's coal phase-out is set for 2028, and by 2030, new commercial vehicles should be zero-emission. In conclusion, Ms. Nantsou called on the attending members of parliament and ministry officials to seriously consider the possibility of implementing a climate law in Cyprus, reminding them that addressing the climate crisis is a matter of life and death.

Annita Demetriou, Head of the Pan-Cyprian Ecological Movement, also spoke at the seminar, emphasizing the urgent need for action to combat climate change. She highlighted the importance of educating and raising awareness among the population, as well as the need for comprehensive policies and measures to achieve sustainability and resilience. Dimitriou stressed that this decade is the most critical in addressing climate change, and immediate action is necessary to mitigate its impacts and secure a sustainable future for Cyprus and the planet as a whole.

[This article was translated from its Greek original]