Greenhouse gas concentrations in Cyprus have reached historic highs, according to five years of continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) by the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) of the Cyprus Institute.

A statement from the Cyprus Institute revealed that data collected over the five-year monitoring period indicate a steady annual increase in greenhouse gas levels across the island.

For instance, in January 2025, CO₂ concentrations in Ineia, Paphos, surpassed 430 ppm for the first time.

The statement noted that Cyprus’ geographic location plays a significant role in these rising levels, as the island is affected by air masses carrying pollutants from Europe. By analyzing this data, researchers can assess the sources of greenhouse gas concentrations as well as the mechanisms responsible for their removal from the atmosphere.

Moreover, the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region has been identified as a global climate change hotspot, making it more vulnerable to climate-related impacts compared to other parts of the world.

Until recently, accurate greenhouse gas measurements in the EMME region were limited, creating significant gaps in climate monitoring. In response, the Cyprus Institute’s CARE-C, in collaboration with the Laboratory of Climate and Environmental Sciences (LSCE) in France and the University of Bremen in Germany, launched a long-term monitoring program to track emissions of key greenhouse gases, including CO₂ and CH₄.

Additionally, a recent scientific study published by the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany and the Cyprus Institute estimates that approximately 1.6 million people die annually due to extreme temperatures. By the end of the century, climate change and air pollution could threaten up to 30 million lives each year.

“As greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise, long-term monitoring is essential for understanding their sources and assessing the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing them,” the Cyprus Institute emphasized. Through the development of advanced infrastructure for precise greenhouse gas measurements, the institute aims to address this challenge for Cyprus and the wider EMME region.