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Cypriots’ Low Awareness Of Climate Change

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 29, 2024

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.

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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.

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Cyprus Tech Sector Propels Economic Growth and Reshapes Talent Landscape

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 17, 2025

Robust Economic Expansion

At the recent TechIsland Summit, Christophoros Anayiotos, Head of Deal Advisory at KPMG Cyprus, delivered a compelling assessment of the island’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The 2024 report highlights that the technology sector now contributes 16% of Cyprus’ total Gross Value Added (GVA), up from 12.6% in the previous year. Overall, the sector’s economic impact is estimated at €8.5 billion, with direct contributions of €4.7 billion and an additional €3.8 billion generated indirectly.

Sectoral Contributions and Productivity

Using the Leontief Input-Output Model, the study covers key areas including ICT, professional scientific and technical activities, as well as tech-driven financial and insurance services. Notably, the ICT segment itself delivers €3.4 billion in direct GVA, while professional services and financial operations contribute €840 million and €505 million respectively. This horizontal spread of technological influence underscores the industry’s pivotal role in driving multifaceted business growth.

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Resilience During Economic Downturns

Even amid challenging economic conditions, the tech sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In the pandemic-stricken year of 2020, while the broader Cypriot economy contracted by 3%, the ICT sector experienced a robust growth rate of 21%. This momentum accelerated further to a striking 38% growth in 2021, reinforcing technology’s role as a stabilizing economic force.

Divergent Trends in Employment

Anayiotos’ analysis reveals that the tech sector now sustains over 62,000 full-time equivalent jobs in Cyprus, with 45,900 direct and 16,300 indirect roles. For every €1 million in increased sector revenue, approximately 13 jobs are generated. Despite the overall employment surge, there has been a significant shift in workforce composition. In 2015, Cypriot nationals comprised 88% of ICT employees; by 2024, this figure dropped to 50%, with non-EU nationals accounting for 42% and other EU citizens 8% of the workforce.

Cyprus as an EU Leader in ICT

Cyprus now holds a prominent place in the EU, ranking second in the EU27 for ICT’s share of national GVA at 11.4%, a notable rise from 9.4% in 2023. Furthermore, the island leads the bloc in ICT GVA growth, posting a remarkable 347% increase between 2015 and 2024. With a top-five ranking in GVA per ICT employee—whereby each contributes approximately €130,000, compared to the EU average of €116,000—the country’s technology workforce has expanded at an annual growth rate of 12.1%, from 9,300 in 2015 to 26,000 in 2024.

Strategic Imperatives for Future Growth

Anayiotos emphasizes the need for strategic enhancements to sustain this expansion. Key recommendations include improving air connectivity, joining the Schengen Area to boost mobility, and attracting more international banking institutions. Additionally, introducing tax incentives designed to favor stock options is considered crucial in luring and retaining skilled talent. Addressing the limited capacity in private education is also vital to accommodating professionals relocating with families.

Investing in Talent and Digital Transformation

Looking forward, investments in education and digital upskilling remain paramount. There is a clear call for a national initiative aimed at promoting STEM careers, elevating the digital skills of both students and educators, and accelerating the digital transformation of public services. Moreover, streamlining legal procedures will be critical to improving the overall business climate and competitiveness.