Impact Case Study IV

Summary:

Research Period: July 2015 – April

When did the impact occurred: 2017-2020

• Societal issue addressed: Climate Change Risk Assessment for the Government of Cyprus
• Who & How: Dr Apostolos Voulgarakis provided information regarding atmospheric physics and regional climate change which was subsequently used by impact scientists (experts on agriculture, biodiversity, built environment, business, energy, forestry, natural disasters, health, fisheries, transport, and water resources) to provide a complete risk assessment on the effects of climate change in Cyprus. The impact reported here built on the extensive expertise developed on regional climate physics and change and its impacts conducted by Voulgarakis’s team over the last decade, utilizing state-of-the-art (“IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)-class”) climate models for which Voulgarakis’s team are acknowledged as the key specialists at Imperial, having established a dominant international reputation, as evidenced by their many international collaborations in this area.
• Application & Results: Dr Voulgarakis’ research provided the evidence that directly informed the first National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change which was approved by the Parliament of Cyprus, and the Cypriot National Action Plan on climate. Beneficiaries include policy makers, sectors of green industry, and the wider population of Cyprus through primarily agriculture, forest, biodiversity, soils, public health and water.
• Further Implications: Broader impact includes influence on similar efforts in other Eastern Mediterranean countries with the formation of the Cyprus Government’s Initiative for Coordinating Climate Change Action in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.