There is a deeper Cyprus problem

While the energy crises of the 21st century are already unfolding, we have not yet begun to make a dent on the longer-term danger of climate change caused by the excessive burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. The world will face severe water stresses as a result of both population growth and water-cycle changes caused by climate change, with Cyprus projected to become more arid as climate zones slowly migrate towards the poles.

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From this picture, it is clear that Cyprus, Europe and our neighbours may be in for some serious turbulence ahead – economic, political and social. It behooves Greek and Turkish Cypriots to identify the coming energy crisis as the grave existential threat that it is, and to preemptively collaborate, pooling capital, manpower and natural resources, in order to weather the storm and mitigate its impacts. Neither community can withstand the pressures of this massive juggernaut alone.
A master plan to address basic food, water and energy requirements in an integrated manner for sustainable life in Cyprus should be drawn up by both communities together. Water and energy projects should be collaborative; for instance, instead of burning oil or gas to desalinate seawater, a gravity-fed pipeline (which is currently under study by German interests) could bring water from Turkey to Cyprus for the needs of both communities. With so much water, we could grow bio-diesel feedstock crops on irrigated marginal land, and trade them among ourselves, aiming for self-sufficiency in our transportation fuel without displacing food production. Wind farms could take advantage of the excellent Aeolian resource available on the ridgelines of the Karpas Peninsula.

Cyprus Mail