Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is often associated with beaches, sunshine and an easy outdoor lifestyle, but key indicators show the country faces acute pressure on water, energy and resources.
Perceptions of abundance and daily life
The island’s climate and geography support a lifestyle that includes swimming before work, sitting outside in winter, and travelling from coast to mountains in under an hour. Community norms are described as close-knit, with neighbours watching out for each other and children moving around freely.
High water stress and extreme scarcity
Cyprus is described as one of the most resource-tight countries in the European Union. The country uses around 71% of its renewable freshwater resources, the highest figure in the EU and above the 40% threshold used to indicate severe water stress. Renewable freshwater availability is reported at less than 500 cubic metres per person per year, compared with an EU average closer to 4,000, placing Cyprus in the category of extreme water scarcity.
Energy dependence and limited connectivity
Cyprus is almost entirely dependent on imported fuels, with around 95% of its primary energy needs coming from abroad. The country also has no direct electricity interconnection to the rest of Europe.
Low circular use and high food waste
Cyprus is reported to have the EU’s lowest circular material use rates, indicating limited reuse or recycling. It is also reported to have the highest amount of food waste per capita in the EU.
How should Cyprus address water scarcity, energy dependence and waste while sustaining its current way of life?
