Cyprus Develops First AI-Powered Tree Carbon Inventory

by News Editor

August 4, 2026

Researchers at The Cyprus Institute have developed the country’s first nationwide tree-level inventory of biomass and carbon storage, providing a new tool to help monitor forests, assess wildfire damage and support climate adaptation.

Combining artificial intelligence with field data collected by the Cyprus Department of Forests, the project enables scientists to track changes in tree biomass and carbon stocks over time with far greater accuracy than previous methods. The inventory is expected to support evidence-based forest management, post-fire restoration and long-term environmental planning.

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Looking Beyond Forests

One of the study’s key findings is that nearly one-third of Cyprus’ tree cover is located outside traditional forest areas. The inventory identified Athalassa National Forest Park in Aglantzia as an example of how urban green spaces can make a significant contribution to carbon storage and biodiversity.

The findings highlight the role of individual trees and urban vegetation in strengthening climate resilience, particularly in densely populated areas.

Measuring The Impact Of Wildfires

The research also illustrates the growing impact of climate-related pressures on Cyprus’ forests. Since 2014, wildfires have affected more than 360,000 trees, resulting in the loss of over 300,000 tonnes of biomass and around 140,000 tonnes of stored carbon.

According to the researchers, the new inventory captures losses that were previously difficult to quantify, particularly those caused by smaller or isolated wildfires.

Supporting Climate Policy

Beyond documenting current conditions, the inventory establishes a framework for continuously monitoring Cyprus’ forests and tree resources. The data can help evaluate restoration projects, measure the effects of drought and wildfires, and support future climate and environmental policies.

Anna Zenonos, a Graduate Research Fellow at the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C) and the study’s lead author, said the new methodology makes it possible to monitor Cyprus’ trees with a level of detail that was previously unavailable. She added that reliable environmental data is becoming increasingly important as droughts and wildfires continue to intensify across the Eastern Mediterranean.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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