The Cyprus Institute, through the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C), and the Department of Labour Inspection (DLI) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, successfully concluded the European LIFE SIRIUS project (A System for Integrated Environmental Information in Urban Areas), presenting its results at a special Local Working Table held at the Institute’s premises.

The event brought together representatives from key Cypriot authorities, including the Office of the Commissioner of Environment, the State General Laboratory of the Ministry of Health, the Dept. of Environment of the Ministry Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the Dept.
of Town Planning and Housing and the Directorate of Technical Services of the Ministry of Interior, the Dept. of Road Transport of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, the Municipalities of Strovolos (Nicosia) and Larnaca, as well as the Medical School of the University
of Cyprus.

The LIFE SIRIUS project, running from August 2022 to January 2026, focused on the synergistic effects of air pollution and thermal stress on the health of urban populations. Implemented in three European cities—Thessaloniki, Rome, and Nicosia—the project aimed to improve governance in air quality planning and management through a holistic environmental approach.

For the first time in Cyprus, LIFE SIRIUS developed an integrated Health-related Warning System that combines heat and air quality parameters. The project utilized the state-of-the-art WRF-Chem model with 2km spatial resolution to simulate air quality over Cyprus, operating on an operational basis to provide daily air quality forecasts and health warning thresholds.

During the Local Working Table, participants were introduced to the operational Environmental Management System (EMS) developed for Nicosia, with a practical demonstration showcasing how authorities can utilize this decision-support tool for enhanced air quality planning and real-time environmental monitoring.

With the enforcement of stricter EU limits by 2030, Cyprus is called upon to intensify its efforts, particularly in the transport and energy sectors. The WRF-Chem model was applied to various emission reduction scenarios for nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the transport sector, which represents the main source of NOx pollution in Nicosia. Based on model simulation results for 2030, specific emission reduction measures are proposed and were discussed, including increased teleworking, incentives for carpooling, free school buses, and low emission zones.