Oligomuria (lack of water) and climatic pressure make water resources to one of the most important social and environmental problems of Cyprus, said Antonius Theodosuu, Commissioner for Environmental and Protection of Animals on Monday, March 25.
She emphasized that Cyprus is one of the most vulnerable regions of the EU in terms of water balance.
Speaking at the event “Hour of the Earth 2025” in Lakatamia, organized jointly by its office, the municipality and the initiative group of the Archangelos, theodosyu noted that this year the event is dedicated to three key resources: food, energy and water. We often take these vital elements for granted, but they are threatened due to changes in climate, growing consumption and irrational use.
The wastefulness of water, food and energy is not just an environmental problem, but a matter of social responsibility. According to the commissioner, it is important to change the water use culture.
“Water saving should not be perceived as a temporary measure in conditions of deficiency, but as a conscious act of concern for the future,” said Theodosau.
It is symbolic that the “hour of land” in 2025 coincides with the World Water Resources. Theodosu urged everyone to think about their personal role in maintaining water, emphasizing that this resource management is not just an issue of infrastructure or politics, but a matter of respect, responsibility and culture.
The rivers, lakes and water-fingers are oases of life and balance, but they are increasingly threatening degradation. Their preservation is not only access to pure water, but also support for biodiversity, soil fertility and the formation of a healthy microclimate.
Climate changes violate the natural water cycle, leading to drought, floods and lack of water. Atmospheric pollution by greenhouse gases increases the temperature of the planet, which in turn threatens: agriculture and food chains, infrastructure and cities' safety, human health, increasing the risk of epidemics. The water crisis is not just an environmental threat, but also a challenge to social justice and responsibility to future generations.
According to the European Commission, about 58 million tons of food are ejected annually in the EU countries - this is 131 kg per person. But the situation in Cyprus is even more alarming. Each resident of the island annually throws 294 kg of food, which is 2 times higher than the average for the EU. According to the UN data, more than 1 billion serving of food is on landfills daily. At the same time, 16% of all world emissions of greenhouse gases are associated with food waste!
The commissar emphasized that the environmental care begins with simple daily actions:
Do not leave the water on without the need to buy only that it is really necessary to use energy -saving lamps and household technical ones to walk on foot or ride a bicycle to food waste: it is reasonable to plan food, store products correctly, process and share excesses
Conscious consumption is everyone's contribution to the future of the planet!
Source: Reporter.com.cy
