Cyprus, an island in the Eastern Mediterranean, is a climate change hotspot. But it’s less studied than other places, like the United States or East Asia. We wanted to quantify and provide additional evidence of the health burden that comes with climate change.

Using computer modeling, we estimated numbers of cardiac deaths under different climate change scenarios. We expect a rise in heat-related deaths. But with increases up to six percent by the end of this century, cardiovascular mortality could be driving that increase. In Cyprus, adaptation strategies like air conditioning are no longer enough. Emission reduction is crucial now.

In Cyprus and other hot spots, mitigating climate change with sustainable adaptation strategies is now crucial. We have to reduce the expected health burden on the people there. It is important that the research on climate change and its effects on physical and mental health continues. And it’s important that we also get better at translating this scientific research for public health officials so they can use it.