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The ‘Nimby’ approach to climate change and the fact that the not-in-my-back-yard mentality continues to rule in Cypriot society, could not have been debunked at a better time, with the temperatures soaring to a record 44.6C on Sunday.
The increasing rate of heat waves, evident in recent years, also proves that every little bit helps, when it comes to harnessing climate change and making the world a better place to live, for present and future generations.
As the island’s political leadership remains in Crans Montana, trying to iron out crucial differences on securities and guarantees of a future federal state of Cyprus, no mention has been made about real issues, such as climate change. Instead, politicians have chosen to discuss, negotiate and orate about all other issues, as long as these can bring votes, either in elections or in a referendum.
At the same time, the Republic of Cyprus is introducing three Under-Secretariats, as pledged by President Anastasiades some four and half years ago, which will deal with shipping, tourism and development.
Parliament passed the bill for the first one last week and the other two are pending. But no-one bothered to look further to see where Cyprus shipping could find itself in a decade or so.
Clearly, the maritime community is worried about climate change, perhaps more than any environmentalist on the island, as the Cyprus-flag fleet or the vessels managed by Cyprus continue to consume heavy fuel oil for their own engines, while the international trend is to abandon HFOs and turn to cleaner drivers, such as LNG, the type that these container vessels carry on behalf of their clients.
One project being developed in Greece is also looking at using alternative sources of energy, even wind and electric power, in an effort to cut down on pollution of the sea and the air.
Cyprus finds itself at an opportune moment, where it can embark with its new under-ministry of shipping, and at the same time, become a pioneer in the worldwide maritime world by offering incentives to shipowners to convert their vessels from HFOs to LNG or other sources.
At this month’s Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting, IMO member states must build on the progress already made by supporting the HFO phase-out proposed by Canada, banning such vessels from Arctic waters.
Perhaps, Cyprus should propose a similar phase-out for the Mediterranean.
