As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent priority for the European Union, new Eurobarometer findings reveal that Cypriots have a complex relationship with the issue, balancing deep concern with significant economic anxieties.

According to the survey, conducted in February and March 2025 among over 26,000 Europeans, 90% of Cypriots consider climate change a serious problem — among the highest rates in the bloc. Cyprus, already suffering from hotter summers, prolonged droughts, and shrinking rainfall, is especially vulnerable to climate-related threats. Nearly 59% of Cypriots feel directly exposed to environmental risks, compared to an EU average of 38%.

Yet while they acknowledge the severity of the climate crisis, Cypriots’ most pressing worry remains their economic well-being. Approximately 77% cite their financial situation as their primary concern, far higher than the EU average of 47%, while access to drinking water is another significant worry (74% in Cyprus versus 50% in the EU overall).

Cypriots believe the main responsibility for addressing climate change rests with national governments (77%) and the European Union (65%), followed by businesses (53%). In contrast, only about 30% see individuals as having a major role, though a large majority report personal actions to help, such as reducing waste, buying energy-efficient appliances, limiting plastic use, and installing solar panels.

Cypriots also show strong support for EU climate targets: 89% back the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, aligning with European averages. The vast majority agree that investing in renewable energy and improving energy efficiency is crucial for both energy security and economic resilience.

However, the Eurobarometer highlights a communication gap: 52% of Europeans say traditional media fail to deliver clear climate information, and nearly half struggle to distinguish reliable content from misinformation on social media.