Pan-European Symposium on Water and Sanitation Safety Planning and Extreme Weather Events

Adaptation of Water to in

Dr. Kyriaki Ioannou

Water Development Department Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment

6-7 April, 2017 Bilthoven, The Netherlands The Climate is changing…

Due to: ** natural causes: Variations of solar radiation Volcanic eruptions Reflection of solar heat from earth And ** anthropogenic: increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that bind heat

Causing Various and significant impact in key economic sectors and vulnerable social groups

The increase of temperature on the planet by 2100 in comparison with the temperatures of 1990, according to the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change of the United Nations (IPCC) will be approximately between +1.4°C and +5.8°C The 25 hotspots. The hotspot expanses comprise 30-3% of the red areas Source: Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities (Myers et al., 2000) Climate Change in Cyprus

The change is already evident mainly by the

….mean annual temperature increase

The average annual temperature in the period 1991-2007 Is 0.5οC higher than that of the 1961-1990 period .

….mean annual rainfall decrease The average annual rainfall in the period 1991-2008 is 9% lower than that of the 1961-1990 period

Source : CYPADAPT 2012 Climate Change in Cyprus

According to the above rates it is expected that by 2050….

• The average annual rainfall will decrease by 10-15%

• The average annual temperature will increase by 1.0 - 1.5οC

• Extreme weather events (droughts, heatwaves, dust episodes, floods, windstorms etc.) will be more frequent, more intense and widespread

……in comparison with the corresponding values for the period 1961-1990 The projected changes in temperature are remarkable Changes in TX and TN range from 1.3 - 1.9oC and 1.0 - 2.0 oC with spatial variations respectively

Changes in (a) average annual maximum temperature (TX) and (b) average annual minimum temperature (TN), between the reference period (1961-1990) and the future period (2021-2050) The range from 1.0°C to 2.0°C with spatial variations CYPADAPT 2013 The projected precipitation will be decreased with seasonal and regional variations

The average annual total precipitation will be slightly decreased (10-20 mm/year) with seasonal and regional variations in the near future period, but will be significantly reduced (90-130 mm/year) and more spatially variable between 2071-2100.

(with high uncertainty due to the large temporal variability of rainfall and the large variations of future projected changes among models)

Changes in annual total precipitation between the future (2021-2050) and control period (1961-1990) CYPADAPT 2013 The projected worsening of extreme events

•Extreme weather events: heat wave, drought, flood, storms * The maximum length of dry spells (precipitation<0.5mm) is expected to increase by 10 to 12 days on average *The number of heat waves and very hot days (temperature > 35°C), will be increased averagely by 10 to 30 days on annual basis, depending on the region. *The number of tropical nights (minimum temperature > 20°C) is also expected to increase by 30-60 nights on annual basis, depending on the region. *Droughts and dry periods are projected to increase in length and frequency (> 25 of dry days by 2080) *The annual maximum total rainfall over 1 day is slightly increased of about 1-4 mm .The intensity and frequency of rainfall extremes, is projected to modifications also. •Sea surface temperature is expected to increase farther Warming Levantine Basin at average rate 0.065oC per year • in Eastern Mediterranean is expected to be about 0.5m to 1.0 m, by 2050 and 2100 respectively. Relative humidity shows negative though small changes, (about 0.5% decrease by 2100) •The number of windy days (with average wind speed of 5m/s) will decreases in distant future

Other climatic factors that need further investigation are the increase in carbon dioxide CO2 and ozon O3 Ways to address climate change

• Mitigation measures Reducing

• Adaptation measures To tackle the unavoidable impacts on current and future climate change

• Managing the ipmacts/risks of climate change With the combination of both mitigation and adaptation actions The basic framework for the effective and timely treatment of adverse effects of climate change is the adaptation strategy The National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change the LIFE+ project: CYPADAPT

Start date: September 1st, 2011 - End date: March 31st, 2014 Duration: 31 months Project budget: 1.358.847 € (50% EC funding) Project partners:

Coordinating beneficiary: Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment of Cyprus Associated beneficiaries: National Technical University of Athens

National Observatory of Athens

www.moa.gov.cy/environment Aim and Objectives

The aim of the Adaptation Strategy is to strengthen and/or improve the adaptability of Cyprus to early and effectively address the negative effects of climate change with the simultaneous exploitation of challenges and opportunities This has been achieved through specific objectives: •Identification of current climate change and its impacts •Prediction of future climate changes and assessment of their potential impacts •Evaluation of sensitivity, exposure and adaptive capacity of the various systems, sectors or social groups to climate change •Estimation of limits, barriers and opportunities associated with climate change •Selection of appropriate adaptation actions and measures through multi-criteria analysis and consultation with stakeholders Selected climate change adaptation policy areas Adaptation four critical stages of the process

Monitoring Evaluation Re-assessment Corrective Actions

Impact assessment Planning and Implementation Monitoring and of systems and their Designing of of adaptation evaluation vulnerability adaptation options

Continuous involvement of all stakeholders

Knowledge database and Communication Platform Focus on Water Relationship between climate changes and impacts on the water sector Potential climate changes Impact - Increased water temperatures Increased temperature - Increase in evaporation - Water availability reduction Increased evapotranspiration - Lower replenishments rates (lower groundwater levels) - Salinisation of water resources - Decrease in runoff - More widespread water stress - Increased water pollution and deterioration of water quality due to lower dissolution of sediments, Decreased precipitation, nutrients, dissolved organic carbon, pathogens, pesticides and salt including increased droughts - Decreased rates of groundwater recharge - Salinisation of coastal aquifers due to overpumping motivated by insufficient water supply Increase in interannual - Increase in the difficulty of flood control and reservoir utilization during precipitation variability the flooding season - Flooding Increase in heavy precipitation - Adverse effects in quality of surface water and groundwater - Contamination of water supply events - Lower replenishment rates in the aquifers of the mountain areas due to steep slopes - Increased algae growth and reduced dissolved oxygen levels in water bodies which may lead to eutrophication and loss of fish Increase in surface water temperature - Prolonged lake stratification with decreases in surface layer nutrient concentration and prolonged depletion of oxygen in deeper layers - Changes in mixing patterns and self purification capacity - Salinisation of water resources Sea level rise - Salinisation of coastal aquifers (minor effect) Future Vulnerability Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on the Water Resources of Cyprus Source: CYPADAPT 2013

Vulnerability Selected Indicators Vulnerability Selected Indicators variable variable Water availability Water availability

• Increase water storage capacity • Sensitivity of runoff to changes in rainfall • Inter-basin water transfer • Dam inflow variability • Artificial aquifer recharge • Number of groundwater bodies overexploited • Water import • Number of groundwater bodies in bad quantitative • Use of desalinated water Sensitivity status • Use of treated water • Freshwater availability per capita • Stormwater use • Replacement of networks • Water Exploitation Index Adaptive • Improving water use efficiency in irrigation • Water availability index capacity • Number of years water demand exceeded amount of • Water allocation available freshwater resources • Control groundwater overexploitation • Use of water supply meters • Redistribution of irrigated land • Water pricing • Number of dams presenting decreasing trend • Subsidies for drinking water savings Exposure • Number of groundwater bodies in bad quantitative • Awareness campaigns status • Improving monitoring and forecast Vulnerability Vulnerability Selected Indicators Selected Indicators variable variable Water quality Floods • Effect of climatic factors, such as temperature and rainfall, on the • Percent of very high& high hazard flooding events taking quality of water resources Sensitivity Sensitivity place in Cyprus • Reduction of the rate of aquifer replenishment • Overexploitation of aquifers due to water scarcity • Changes in heavy precipitation events Exposure • Areas with potential significant flood risk in Cyprus • Changes in air temperature • Changes in annual precipitation • Development of a separate drainage system for collecting • Changes in the length of drought periods stormwater Adaptive • Changes in heavy precipitation events • Implementation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems capacity • Changes in sea level • Identification of flood risk areas • Percent of river water bodies in bad ecological and chemical status • Preparation of Flood Risk Management Plans • Percent of lake water bodies in bad ecological and chemical status • Percent of coastal water bodies in bad ecological and chemical status Exposure Droughts • Number of surface water areas identified as sensitive according to the Directive 91/271/EEC • Sensitivity to Desertification Index • • Percent of areas characterized as semi arid with an Surface Water Vulnerability (SWV) Index Sensitivity • Number of groundwater bodies with excess pollutant concentrations increased sensitivity • Number of groundwater bodies declared as Vulnerable Nitrate Zones • Percent of areas immediately threatened (VNZ), according to the Directive 91/676/EEC • Number of groundwater bodies salinized • Number of consecutive years of drought • • Amount of deficit during drought periods Number of groundwater bodies in bad qualitative status Exposure • Frequency of drought periods • Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) • Designation of protected areas Adaptive • Protection from point source discharges likely to cause pollution capacity • Action Programme to prevent or reduce water pollution from nitrates Adaptive • Elaboration and implementation of a Drought • Protection of groundwater bodies from salinization capacity Management Plan Water resources: Baseline situation

Water demand and freshwater resources in Cyprus for the period 2000 – 2010

Total Demand for 2011 was 252 Mm3 Source WDD 2012 Rainfall in mm 150 250 350 450 550 650 750 850 950 50

1901/02 292 468 537 722 529 677 498 500 593 551 1911/12 667 535 649 543 411 373 472 590 697 572 1921/22 546

627 control) Governmentunder (area in Cyprusprecipitationannual Mean 549 460 732 506 434 Around normal (91 Around (111 Above normal Wet (121 normal) (>130%wet Extreme 648 739 651 1931/32 284 341 -

401 normal) 130% 687 530 566 575 - 643 - 110% normal) 110% 120% normal) 120% 551 370 HydrologicalYear 1941/42 597 639 514 617 531 529 561 530 560

400 Source: WDD 2017 1951/52 617 664 543 545

1901/02 547 415 506 399 406 469

- 1961/62 656 2015/16 636 309 532 519 694 499 800 398 498 1971/72 408 213 389 619 563 471 549 439

582 Average normal) (<70% drought Severe (71 Drought (81 normal Below 574 1981/82 425 437 448 498 438 -

520 normal) 80% 625 481 363 - 282 normal) 90% 1991/92 637 509 417 493 383 399 388 473 363 468 2001/02 602 561 544 412 360 479 272 527 546 464 2011/12 654 544 315 561 309 Governmental Water Works – Sources of Domestic Water (1991 - 2015) Source: WDD 2017

90,0

[82,1] [80,6] [81,9] [78,9] [79,7] 80,0 [77,5] [73,3] [73,7] [73,9] [70,3] 10,7 [68,9] 70,0 2,0 17,6 [65,8] [63,0] [62,5] 7,7 32,8 37,5 60,0 [58,0] 26,2 27,1 3,3 31,0 52,8 48,0 9,4 29,1 [48,9] 50,0 [48,2] [47,9] 30,1 [45,7] [44,8] 21,8 29,8 [42,7] 5,3 32,6 49,4 5,4 12,2 40,0 13,9 13,6 11,1 6,2 [36,2] [36,9] 18,9 [35,1] 16,7 10,9 [31,1] 16,8 16,5 30,0 15,8 19,1 12,6 6,7 59,1 14,0 18,3 16,3 18,7 7,9 51,9 Million Cubic Meters of Water of CubicMeters Million 23,9 15,2 17,1 19,6 11,8 41,6 20,0 38,2 35,3 35,7 29,0 30,0 25,5 11,3 25,9 23,6 23,3 10,0 21,1 20,3 20,3 21,4 18,0 17,0 16,8 16,6 14,8 12,3 14,0 13,6 7,6 0,0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Year

ΦράγματαDams ΓεωτρήσειςBoreholes ΑφαλατώσειςDesalination ΜεταφοράWater transfer νερού from από Greece Ελλάδα Governmental Water Works – Sources of Irrigation (1991 - 2015) Source: WDD 2017

80,0

70,0 [68,6] 5,5 [64,8] [62,8] [60,9] [60,8] 60,0 6.7 5,3 9,1 4,3 [55,91] [53,0] 11,0 [53,8] [53,8] [53,0] [52,2] 6,3 6,7 3,2 [53,0] 5,1 [48,7] 50,0 [48,4] [47,6] 6,6 10,9 9,2 11,3 11,0 5,6 4,0 4,4 13,5 5,7 5,2 [41,5] [40,7] 5,7 6,8 40,0 6,6 6,5 [37,0] 3,2 5,3 [35,6] 9,7 1,1 4,2 11,4 [30,4] [29,0] [28,5] 30,0 [28,0] 13,2 [26,0] 1,3 56,4 6,7 3,0 52,5 49,9 1,3 50,2 50,8 5,6 9,0 5,8 Million Cubic Meters of Water of CubicMeters Million 13,0 [20,8] 41,7 42,0 43,1 42,0 20,0 38,7 39,0 11,5 4,7 37,4 36,6 37,3 38,2 31,0 26,9 24,7 8,1 22,7 21,4 21,8 10,0 19,0 16,0 13,2 8,0 0,0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

YEAR

ΦράγματαDams ΓεωτρήσειςBoreholes ΑνακυκλωμένοReused Water Νερό Freshwater availability per capita

Water sources used for the satisfaction of water demand in Cyprus (average for the period 2000-2010)

Source: DG Environment-EU, 2007 Inter-basin connection and water transfer Water Stress and Water Exploitation Index among European countries. Cyprus ranks first

Water exploitation index (WEI) (1990-2007) WEI=total annual abstraction/long term renewable resources Source: EEA , 2010c

Water stress index (WSI) WSI=the ratio of water withdrawal to supply Source: Wintgens and Hochstrat, 2006 Vulnerability of Water Availability

Total water use efficiency in Mediterranean countries Water use efficiency in drinking water and (1995, 2005-2010) irrigation sectors in 2010

Source: Plan blue, 2011 Surface water resources consists of water inbounded in dams/ reservoirs and seasonal rivers with low flow in Dam Inflow 1987/88 - 2015/16 winter and no flow in summer 250

200 191,8

) 3 168 154 151 150 143 136 140 129 127 116,4 103 97 100 93,9 3

MillionCubic Meters (Mm Average 80 Mm 63 61 63 53 50 50 39 35 32 34 25 26 24 19 17,9 12 12,3

0

1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 1987-88 Change in inflow to the main dams of Cyprus for the Hydrological Year ( 1st October – 30th Semptember) period 1970-2050 Source: WDD 20011 a Source: WDD 2017 The decreasing trend in ground water levels and recharge rates are expected to continue in future, (WDD, 2008, WDD 2011a)

Groundwater resources rely also on the amount and duration of effective rainfall and the increase in evaporative demand. The intense agricultural development and urbanization in recent past resulted in the overexploitation of Cyprus’ aquifers

Decrease in water availability in future will reinforce the competition between different water usages mainly drinking water and irrigation supply.

Over-pumping in the groundwater bodies of Cyprus Source: WDD, 2008 Vulnerability of Water Quality

The projected climate changes in the future (2021-2050) that are anticipated to intensify many forms of water quality deterioration are the higher water temperature and increased evapotranspiration rates, the reduced precipitation and high intensity precipitation or flooding events and, the longer periods of droughts or dry spells.

The main driver of water quality deterioration in surface and ground resource is the water volume, in terms of the pollutants’ dilution, which is highly sensitive to climate change *Surface Water bodies (dams and seasonal rivers with low flow): lower levels of dissolved oxygen and less dilution of pollutants, enhanced eutrophication rates and algae blooms, *Groundwater bodies (many of them are in a moderate to bad due chemical status): are more sensitive to climate changes, pollutants’ concentration, salinization increases Vulnerability of Water Quality

Map of surface water vulnerability to pollution Source: PigWasteMan, 2007

Salinization in the groundwater bodies of Cyprus Source: WDD, 2008 Vulnerability of Water Resources to Floods

Number of flooding events per year in Cyprus (1971-2010) Areas with potential significant flood risk in Cyprus Cyprus in spite of the fact expiriencing long and frequent dry periods, also suffers from flash and urban floods triggered by local intenceinte intense precipitation events

The observed increase in heavy rainfall which falls in 1 hour for the period 1971 – 2007 in contrast with the respective for the period 1930 – 1970 despite the decrease in the mean precipitation . These extreme rainfall events may potentially cause localized flooding phenomena with devastating impacts Vulnerability of Water Resources to Droughts

Drought impact per year and Member State (1976 – 2006) Environmentally Sensitive Areas to Desertification Source: EC, 2007 Source: I.A.C.O. Ltd 2007 The exposure and sensitivity of Cyprus to droughts is expected to be very high

Standard Precipitation Index between 1901/02-2010/11

The number of years with SPI for the 12 month time Number of dry days (RR<0.5mm) per year between the reference period (1961-1990) and the future period (2071-2100). scale ,varying between (<-2 to -1) is estimated to An increase of about 8-10 days is expected reaching 110 days increase in future period (2021-2050) Overall Vulnerability Assessment of Water Resources in Cyprus to Climate Changes Overall Vulnerability Assessment of Infrastructure to Climate Changes (Water Supply )

Adaptive Impact Sensitivity Exposure Vulnerability Capacity

Damage from Limited to Moderate Moderate to High (4) High (5) Moderate (3) urban floods (1.5)

Damage from Limited to Moderate Limited (1) Very High (7) Limited (0.6) sea floods (2)

Damage from Limited (1) Limited (1) Limited (1) None (0) landslides

(Water supply infrastructure: Water treatment plants, Wastewater treatment plants, Desalination plants) Adaptation of water sector to climatic impacts

The proposed measures and their prioritization is the result of a) continuous and effective consultation with all stakeholders, and b) multi-criteria analysis. A valuable tool facilitating the evaluation of all climate change factors (variations, impacts , measures) taking account of the interrelated influences and assessing the associated risks or potential opportunities.

The challenge of developing and implementing infrastructural adjustments and societal changes, to balance water supply and demand is not easy, because of the uncertainties surrounding climate change issues, and the need to educate people to deal with unexpected future changes. WATER - Adaptation Measures Suggested ( CYPADAPT 2014) Increase storage capacity Legislative Control of groundwater exploitation Improve key irrigation infrastructure to minimize key system losses Measures to increase Maintenance of the water distribution systems and infrastructure water availability Increase capacity of desalination plants Installation of water saving equipment (mandatory in new buildings) Intensify monitoring of water quality for irrigation and recharge Replenishment of coastal aquifers Increase capacity of desalination plants Measures for the Incentives for reuse of municipal wastewater diversification of water resources utilisation Stormwater use collected in separate drainage system Mandatory greywater recycling for new houses/ buildings Water allocation mechanisms and cuts for municipal water supplies Redistribution of irrigated land Measures to decrease Efficient water pricing water demand Provision of subsidies for drinking water savings Awareness campaigns Adoption of efficient water consumption standards WATER - Adaptation Measures Suggested cont…

Designation of protected areas Actively enforce and monitor law with strict penalties Measure to protect Strictly control overdrilling water quality Provide subsidies to farmers for applying smart techniques Proper waste management to avoid surface and ground water pollution Separate collection of stormwater

Measures for the Establishment of riverbed protection zones protection from Maintain & restore wetlands /riverbeds (natural defense against floods) floods Preparation of flood hazard maps Preparation of flood risk management plans Drought policies and plans Periodic reviews of the achievements and priorities Measure for the Periodic readjustment of goals, means and resources protection from droughts Strengthening institutional for drought mitigation Establishment and strengthening of early warning systems Drought risk map and emergency programme 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 5,00 Ευπάθεια Ανακατανομή Αύξηση Μελέτες Μηχανισμοί Υποχρεωτική Παροχή Παροχή μεγαλύτερη Αποτελεσματική Αξιοποίηση Εκστρατείες Επέκταση μέσων Περιοδικές έλεγχο Επαναχρησιμοποίηση Ενίσχυση (π Έλεγχος Συντήρηση Μέτρα . χ . γήπεδα και της προσαρμογής χωρητικότητας κινήτρων κινήτρων ° σκοπιμότητας της της και πόρων ποιότητας και αναθεωρήσεις βρόχινου κατανάλωση( ευαισθητοποίησης/ενημέρωσης κατανομής γκολφ, ανακύκλωση αποδοτικής χρήσης αποφυγή αρδευόμενης επιδιόρθωση τιμολόγηση της για για τουριστικές την την υδατικής μετρητών /καταλληλοτητας νερού για επεξεργασμένων φραγμάτων για νερού υδροβόρων εξοικονόμηση επαναχρησιμοποίηση χρήσης τους γεωργία, ημιακάθαρτου τη της γης ° των (συλλογή μεταφορά νερού ° Υδάτινους πολιτικής προόδου παροχής * εγκαταστάσεις, για συστημάτων νερού * τουρισμός) την απαιτήσεων ° με σε του υγρών πόσιμου εξασφάλιση στα νερού νερού και (γκρίζου) ξεχωριστό Πόρους εφαρμογή για κτίρια, των μεταφοράς αποβλήτων συγκεκριμένες σε του υδροβόρες νερού σε προτεραιοτήτων περιοχές τη νερού "ημιακάθαρτου οικιακών δίκτύο ° τιμωρητικών γεωργία όλες * σε νερού αστικής που καλλιέργειες) τις και νέες και καλιέργιες και περιοχές αποθήκευση απειλούνται και δημοτικών οικίες/κτίρια τη και προέλευσης διατάξεων νερού" της βιομηχανία ανάλογη σχετικής με (σε ανεπαρκείς σε αποθεμάτων με ιδιαίτερα κτίρια * ειδικές απερήμωση ° προσαρμογή υποδομής μόνο και εγκαταστάσεις) μετα υδάτινους σε βιομηχανίες) νερού τομείς * από των * αυστηρό στόχων, πόρους με την

52,8 55,3 59,3 59,5 61,3 63,3 70,5 71,7 73,5 84,3 84,3 84,8 85,2 86,2 87,0 87,5 MCA αξιολόγηση (βιώσιμο σενάριο)

Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Διαθεσιμότητα νερού

Χ Ποιότητα νερού

Πλημμύρες

Ξηρασία

Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Χ Διατομεακό Water Sector: Proposed Adaptation Measures to Climate Change Water Resources Maintenance and repair of potable and irrigation water supply systems and related infrastructure Control and avoidance high water consuming systems in regions with insufficient water resources Implementation and regularly revisions of the Drought Management Plan Soils Development and implementation of the Desertification Plan in Cyprus Effectively address of the soil erosion by improving the soil moisture, structure and fertility. Coastal Areas Investigation to identify the vulnerable to climate change coastal areas Development and implementation of the Strategic Framework for the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Infrastructure Development of flood protection works in cities and implementation of the flood risk management plans Enhancing the adaptive capacity and the protection of buildings and transport infrastructure from the impacts of climate change (design, construction materials, etc.) Agriculture / Livestock Incentives to farmers to use recycled water for the irrigation of selected crops Identification and promotion of native, locally and over time adapted to climate change genetic material (plant and animal) Evaluation of the implementation of the Adaptation Plan Progress indicators by means of the CYPADAPT Adaptation Platform • To monitor and evaluate the implementation adaptation plans and specifically for the evaluation of progress of the priority objectives of each sector, efficiency and effectiveness of individual measures and actions, are used -where possible- general and specific indicators for existing climatic and non climatic factors that are likely to enhance or hinder the process of adaptation

• Specific indicators of climate change * Sensitivity * Exposure * Adaptability

• Other indicators of non-climatic stresses or parameters (which may affect the vulnerability of the economic sector or the vulnerable social group) Thank you for your kind attention!

Contact details: Dr. Kyriaki Ioannou, Senior Chemist Water Development Department [email protected]

Changes of the Mean Annual Temperature (oC) in Cyprus during recent decades Impact, Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment

IPCC

The vulnerability represents the degree to which a system is susceptible to, or unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes; the vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity (IPCC, 2001).

The sensitivity of a system describes the degree to which a system is affected, either adversely or beneficially, by climate-related stimuli. The exposure of a system is the nature and degree to which a system is exposed to significant climatic variations

The adaptive capacity of a system depicts the ability or potential of a system to adjust trough changes in its characteristics or behaviour to climate change (including climate variability and extremes), to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences of climate change.

Adaptation to climate change refers to adjustments in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their impacts, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities. Impact, Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment List of measures to adapt Cyprus' water management to climate change impacts