What is Environmental Peacebuilding?

a.k.a. Why does Avli focus on peace and climate change?

First the bad news… climate change is an existential threat to Cyprus

Cyprus is a climate change hotspot, meaning we will face hotter, dryer weather, more wildfires, and drought. Multiple studies also link climate change to an increase in conflict, which is particularly worrying on our divided island. We are facing a joint environmental and human crisis both locally, across the divide in Cyprus and globally.

But the good news is… We can turn the crisis into an opportunity. 

Climate change means that we have no choice but to radically transform our island. The question is will we take this opportunity to create the intersectional transformation we need to make Cyprus a better place? Or will we let self-serving businessmen and the corrupt politicians they buy make it worse?

But how can we use this crisis to make things better?

• Ending our national tragedy – Climate change provides an opportunity for all Cypriots to work together to transform our island. Building peace through the environment is a proven way to build kinship and a common vision for our home, and gradually end our 50 years of division.
• Fossil Gas = War, Renewables = Jobs and Opportunities for Cyprus – The science is clear, we need to invest in renewable energy: Our reliance on imported oil is continuing to drive up costs on Cypriot consumers while preventing us from meeting Cyprus’ stated climate goals. Cyprus should invest in community owned energy projects that generate clean renewable energy while putting money back in the pockets of those living here and respect our environment, instead of giving away billions of euros to large multinational companies as they destroy our seas.
• Stabilising our water situation – Cyprus is an arid island, and it is projected to get even dryer. The only way to secure our right to stable water access is to have an island wide water plan that allows for a realistic and sustainable plan to tackle water shortages in every corner of Cyprus. 
• Investing in our cities – Most Cypriots live in cities, but they are still not designed to meet our needs. Investing in equitable and sustainable mobility through public transportation and prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, affordable housing that is tied to the wages of Cypriots, and public spaces like parks, will help mitigate some of the worst effects of climate change.  
• Reviving the countryside – Our villages play an important role, as caretakers of the environment and our connection to our island, but the current capitalist system has directly led to their rapid death in the last 50 years. By reviving our traditional practices and investing in our ancestral homes, we can prevent tragic forest fires, bolster village economies, and systemically educate Cypriots about their environment. 

That sounds great, why aren’t we doing it?

• The division of Cyprus prevents meaningful climate change work – We share a tiny island, and yet our administrations will not cooperate on anything together. The failure of both administrations in the north and south of Cyprus to respond to Covid-19 is a prelude to the slow disaster that is their response to climate change. While politicians continue to dither about who is responsible for the breakdown in the latest negotiations, they are selling our climate and environment to their friends to make millions.
• The government of the Republic of Cyprus continues to drag its feet on climate, and all of us are literally paying the price – Avli’s Watchdog Project has found that the Republic of Cyprus does not even meet the bare minimum for a realistic climate plan, while the administration of the north has no climate plan to speak of. This is reckless, dangerous, and costly to everyone living on the island, as we continue to face consequences such as deadly wildfires and heat waves.

Avli is committed to fighting back. Check out our actions!