Two in three Cypriots place a high priority on adapting to climate change, according to the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) annual climate survey.

“Climate change is an undeniable reality that requires immediate action,” said EIB vice president Kyriacos Kakouris.

“The fact that Cypriots explicitly recognise the need to adapt their way of life reflects a profound understanding of the situation,” he added.

Despite ranking climate change third among the challenges facing Cyprus—after the cost of living and migration—Cypriot survey participants widely acknowledged the need to adjust their lifestyles in response to climate impacts.

This heightened awareness is accompanied by concerns over Cyprus’ frequent and severe weather events, such as intense heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and rising sea levels, which many believe necessitate immediate action to reduce future costs and mitigate risks.

The EIB’s seventh annual climate survey, released on Monday, gathered responses from over 24,000 people across the EU and the United States, including 508 participants from Cyprus.

The findings highlight the economic potential of climate adaptation, with 96 per cent of Cypriots viewing investments in adaptation as a means to create jobs and stimulate the local economy—ten points above the EU average.

Additionally, 93 per cent believe urgent investment is essential to avoid higher future costs.

Moreover, 98 per cent stressed the importance of Cyprus adapting to climate change, while 64 per cent of Cypriots rate it as a top priority, far exceeding the EU average of 50 per cent.

Cyprus, as part of the fastest-warming continent, faces mounting challenges from climate-related disasters.

“By prioritising climate change adaptation, we can turn challenges into opportunities, such as creating jobs, strengthening the economy, and securing the future,” Kakouris said.

“The European Investment Bank Group is committed to supporting these efforts, empowering communities, and promoting investments that will enhance the country’s resilience to the impacts of climate change,” he added.

According to the survey, Cypriots are keenly aware of climate risks.

Ninety-nine per cent reported experiencing at least one extreme weather event in the past five years, with almost half enduring extreme heatwaves and around one-third affected by wildfires or severe storms.

Moreover, 91 per cent believe lifestyle changes are essential to cope with climate impacts, and 84 per cent foresee the need to relocate locally to safer areas if conditions worsen.

In terms of awareness, the survey showed that 86 per cent of Cypriots understand specific measures they can take to adapt their homes and lifestyles, significantly above the EU average of 72 per cent.

The survey also showed that Cypriots feel strongly about supporting global adaptation efforts, with 86 per cent of participants believing that Cyprus should contribute more to assist vulnerable developing countries in dealing with the rising impacts of climate change.

“This year we have seen the tragic impact of extreme weather events in Central Europe and most recently in my own country Spain where many have lost their lives and thousands made homeless,”
said EIB president Nadia Calvino.

“From Pakistan to the Caribbean and North Carolina the impact of climate change is being felt across the globe,” she added.

In addition, Calvino said that “the survey released today confirms that people know we must act now to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change”.

“An orderly transition also makes the most economic sense,” the EIB president stressed.

“Every €1 invested in prevention and resilience saves between €5 and €7 in repairing damage,” she concluded.