Nicosia: The first phase of the Metavasea Survey highlights a significant rise in concern among respondents regarding the effects of global warming in the Mediterranean. This survey emphasizes the importance of reducing carbon emissions from shipping and exploring alternative or transitional fuels, as detailed in a press release by CYMEPA on Thursday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, CYMEPA reported that 97% of the 898 respondents, drawn from maritime communities, ports, suppliers, and civil society, expressed concerns about global warming's impact on their local environment. Furthermore, 78% of participants rated the importance of shipping decarbonization for marine sustainability in the East Mediterranean as very high. However, the survey also uncovered gaps in public understanding of shipping's actual contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, signaling a need for more comprehensive and evidence-based public education.
CYMEPA is urging citizens in Cyprus, particularly those residing in coastal areas, to engage with the online questionnaire related to the research. This initiative seeks to gather public opinions on climate change, the value of reducing shipping-related carbon emissions, and the potential of alternative or transitional fuels.
The Metavasea project, in which CYMEPA collaborates with five other partners, aims to facilitate a green and digital transition in the shipping sector over the next five years. The project intends to enhance the skills of 1,500 seafarers and maritime professionals, identify regional opportunities and challenges, and bolster climate change awareness throughout the East Mediterranean.