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Cypriots’ Low Awareness Of Climate Change

A recent study has revealed a concerning lack of knowledge among Cypriots regarding climate change. This low level of awareness underscores the urgent need for comprehensive education and proactive measures to address environmental challenges.

Key Findings and Implications

The study highlights that a significant portion of the population remains uninformed about the causes, effects, and potential solutions to climate change. This gap in knowledge poses a serious threat to the country’s ability to effectively tackle environmental issues. Without a well-informed public, efforts to combat climate change may fall short, as individual and collective actions are crucial in addressing this global crisis.

Need for Comprehensive Education

To bridge this knowledge gap, there is a pressing need for targeted educational programs aimed at raising awareness and understanding of climate change. Such initiatives should focus on disseminating accurate information, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging community involvement in environmental protection efforts. Education can empower citizens to make informed decisions that contribute to sustainability, from reducing carbon footprints to supporting green policies and innovations.

Government and Community Initiatives

The government, alongside educational institutions and non-governmental organisations, must collaborate to develop and implement these educational programs. Additionally, integrating climate change topics into school curriculums can play a crucial role in shaping a more informed and proactive future generation. Public campaigns, workshops, and community projects can further enhance awareness and engagement, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

Broader Economic and Social Impact

Understanding and addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue but also an economic and social one. A well-informed public can drive demand for green technologies and sustainable products, stimulating economic growth in new sectors. Moreover, public awareness can lead to stronger support for policies aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and protecting natural resources. Socially, increased knowledge about climate change can enhance community resilience, as individuals and groups become better prepared to deal with climate-related challenges.

Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.

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