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Cyprus at the forefront of Climate Change Research in the Mediterranean at the 8th MedCLIVAR Conference Featured

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The 8th MedCLIVAR conference officially commenced on Monday, September 21st, 2026, at the Panos Solomonidis Municipal Cultural Centre in Limassol. The conference focuses on the severe impacts of climate change across the Mediterranean and the pressing need for science-based mitigation measures.

This year marks the first time the conference is being held in Cyprus. The event is organised by the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre of The Cyprus Institute, under the auspices of the Municipality of Limassol and the Department of Meteorology.

The conference brings together more than 150 scientists from 25 countries and representatives from several public institutions. The discussions focus on climate science, the consequences of climate change, and how research can support policy and climate resilience.

 

Climate change in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is warming twice as fast as the world average, with indications that the effects of climate change will become more intense in the upcoming decades.

During the opening ceremony, the President of The Cyprus Institute, Prof. Stavros Malas, delivered the welcoming speech. Prof. Malas highlighted that amidst a period of geopolitical uncertainty, climate change shouldn’t be dismissed from the regional priorities, as it constitutes one of the greatest long-term regional challenges. He emphasised that climate change needs addressing through research and international collaboration. He also referred to the role of The Cyprus Institute in developing climate research and promoting science diplomacy to strengthen regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

The Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Yiannis Armeftis, welcomed the delegates and highlighted the significance of hosting the conference in Limassol, underscoring the city's commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. He also highlighted the Municipality of Limassol's efforts to collaborate with the scientific community, including The Cyprus Institute, to develop resilient and sustainable solutions.

On behalf of the organising committee, Dr. George Zittis, Research Scientist at CARE-C, reflected on the importance of MedCLIVAR as a vital international scientific network contributing to a better understanding of climate change and its impacts across the Mediterranean. In particular, he underscored its crucial role for Cyprus and the wider region, an area already bearing the brunt of the climate crisis through more frequent and intense heatwaves, prolonged droughts, torrential rainfall, and flooding that heavily disrupt the environment, the economy, and society.

The 8th MedCLIVAR conference will continue until the 25th of September, with presentations and discussions covering the latest updates on climate science and the climate challenges currently experienced in the Mediterranean.

 

 

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