UNIC participated in a groundbreaking study attempting to reconstruct Cyprus’s climate patterns and their effects on society.
The University of Nicosia has concluded a significant four-year research collaboration with the University of Rouen Normandy, the Geological Survey Department and the Forest Department, unveiling crucial findings about Cyprus’s climate history and its societal impact over seven centuries.
The research project, known as HIGH-PASM, combined innovative geological analysis with historical documentation to reconstruct Cyprus’s climate patterns and their effects on society from the late Lusignan period to early British colonial rule.
The research findings were presented at a two-day conference titled “Climate Change in Cyprus and Societal Impact from Past to Present”, held at the University of Nicosia on May 8-9, 2025. The event, conducted under the auspices of UNIC Rector Professor Philippos Pouyioutas and the French Ambassador to Cyprus, MM. Clélia Chevrier Kolačko, included a panel discussion on “Climate Change and Adaptation of the Cypriot Society” and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the institutions.
The scientific conference featured presentations from distinguished researchers including Dr Vasilis Symeou from the Geological Survey of Cyprus, Dr Carole Nehmé from the University of Rouen Normandy, Professor Jeffrey Harvey from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, and UNIC’s own Dr Souzana Achilleos and Professor Edna Yamasaki. Topics covered ranged from Cyprus’s geological evolution and climate cycles to current challenges in water distribution and public health impacts of temperature changes.
Study Findings
Key findings from the study reveal:
- Distinct climate patterns across centuries, including long dry periods before the 16th century
- Extended wet periods from the 16th to late 18th century
- Alternating dry and wet periods in the 19th and 20th centuries
- An exceptionally dry period emerging after 2000
The research team analysed an 8cm-high stalagmite from the Hot Cave in Cyprus, covering the period from 1338 to 2021 CE. Similar analyses were conducted in the Varathron Cave in the Akamas Peninsula, confirming the findings. The study incorporated 875 historical events, documenting famines, plagues, and locust infestations.
Significant correlations emerged from the data:
- 36% of locust waves and famines occurred simultaneously
- Similar synchronicity was observed between famines and plague outbreaks
- All three types of disasters showed prevalence during wet, stable climate periods
This research provides valuable insights into the relationship between climate conditions and societal challenges, particularly relevant for understanding current and future climate change impacts on Cyprus.
Source: University of Nicosia | News (https://tinyurl.com/43zwp768)