Paphos People

Cyprus could become a huge desert by the end of the century as it bears the brunt of climate change and drought, an expert has warned.

Studies project a rise in summer temperatures on the island of between two and four degrees this century, compared to the 1960 to 1990 reference periods, Professor Manfred Lange, a geophysicist, told Reuters.

.“I think that there is a very definite potential for dramatically increasing desertification,” said Lange, director of the Energy, Environment and Water Research Centre at the non-profit Cyprus Institute.

By the end of this century, Cyprus can expect an extra two months of days with temperatures exceeding 35C on top of the present summer months of June, July and August, Lange said.

There is also likely to be less rainfall and increased evaporation because of higher temperatures.

“Cyprus will in fact become more like Abu Dhabi or other states that we know because there is just not enough water,” he said.

Cyprus now uses energy-intensive desalination to meet some of its water requirements, while its population of around one million live with rationing and a permanent hosepipe ban. Lange said enforcement must be stringent.

“People want water but if you want to avert desertification, we need to let nature have its share,” he said.

Desertification is the degradation of land in arid and dry sub-humid areas, resulting primarily from human activities and influenced by climatic variations.

The dire water shortage in Cyprus remains unchanged, with a warning that this year could see increased cuts to households across the island.

Despite earlier pledges that the cuts would end it March, further reductions are certain to continue this summer, with some experts predicting a 40% cut-off rate to households across the island.

Last year, reductions of 30% were made in most districts.

Despite the recent rains, water levels in dams remain very low.

JGG. Its just as well you only drink whisky then, to save the water for me..

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