FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Greenhouse gas concentrations in Cyprus have reached historic highs, according to the Cyprus Institute’s Center of Excellence for Climate and Atmospheric Research (CARE-C).
Over five years of monitoring, researchers found that levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) are at record levels and continue to rise each year.
In January 2025, the carbon dioxide concentration in Inia, Paphos, exceeded 430 ppm for the first time.
These high levels are attributed to polluted air masses from Europe. Researchers use this data to identify the sources of greenhouse gases and understand how they are removed from the atmosphere.
The Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region, including Cyprus, is especially vulnerable to climate change impacts, making it a global “epicenter” of the issue.
Pollution has been a hot topic in Cyprus lately. Just last week, residents of Ormidia, a village next to the British base at Dhekelia, along with other neighboring communities, held a peaceful protest outside the EAC Power Station.
For years, the power plant has been a significant source of pollution, causing concern among local residents and environmental activists.
Even now, it uses outdated mazut-powered generators which have been criticized for emitting high levels of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and micro-particles.