Mattheos Santamouris: Climate change affects the temperature in Cyprus | Post on LarnakaOnline.com.cy

Professor Matthaios Santamouris Explains the Reasons Behind Worsening Urban Overheating

Professor Matthaios Santamouris, a distinguished expert, will address urban climate change—a primary threat to social cohesion, economic prosperity, environmental quality, and urban resilience—at a special ceremony at the University of Cyprus, in recognition of his induction as an Honorary Doctor of the School of Engineering. The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in the "Evi Sofianou" Hall on campus. Professor Santamouris will discuss policies and technologies for combating climate change. In an interview with UCY spokesperson Doxa Komodromou, he emphasized the importance of continuous learning and creativity, saying, “The journey from information to creation is often long and challenging, but the pursuit of new knowledge pushes us to explore hidden realities.” Santamouris also highlighted the need for deep study and thought, which can lead to solid knowledge and innovation through perseverance.

Why Temperatures Are Rising in Cypriot Cities

Regarding urban overheating and managing local climate change, Professor Santamouris explained that each city faces unique thermal challenges stemming from multiple factors. “Cypriot cities experience high summer temperatures due to their geographical location. Additionally, the extensive use of materials that absorb solar radiation, such as asphalt, significant anthropogenic heat from vehicles, a lack of greenery, and high-density construction further increase temperatures,” he noted. In coastal cities, sea breezes are often blocked by construction and tall buildings, reducing natural cooling.

The Eastern Mediterranean Heatwaves Intensify Cyprus's Overheating

He stressed that the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the Eastern Mediterranean amplify overheating in Cyprus. Studies show that it’s possible to reduce maximum overheating by 3-4 degrees Celsius through various strategies. “Effective heat mitigation technologies include shading public spaces, using cool and ultra-cool materials, extensive greening, and limiting anthropogenic heat,” he said. He also pointed out the need to establish air circulation corridors in urban areas, especially in coastal zones.

Benefits of Reducing City Temperatures

Reducing temperatures in Cypriot cities, according to Santamouris, would lead to substantial reductions in energy consumption for air conditioning, alleviate electrical loads, decrease heat-related mortality and hospitalizations, and improve productivity. Additionally, it would enhance cognitive abilities among students and improve quality of life, particularly for low-income residents.

Barriers to Implementing Climate Enhancement Strategies

Santamouris identified major barriers to implementing climate enhancement strategies in cities: lack of knowledge and political will among local authorities, and administrative limitations. In developed countries where citizens demand improved quality of life and administrations have access to relevant information, thermal mitigation strategies are high-priority. In other cases, however, the absence of public demand and administrative inadequacies result in superficial and ineffective solutions.

Local and global climate change has severe consequences for citizens’ quality of life, increasing energy consumption and degrading the indoor and outdoor quality of built environments. Developing technologies that contribute to the energy and environmental upgrade of the built environment is more critical than ever.

The research conducted by Professor Santamouris and his team aims to minimize urban overheating and to create zero-energy, high-quality buildings and communities. At the same time, they are working on low-cost technologies to protect low-income citizens from climate change and overheating, particularly in both developing and developed countries.

Source: Larnakaonline.com.cy