Comparing Reanalysis and Observational Data for GHG Emissions and Air Pollutants in the EMME Region

The critical challenge of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region, especially on the island of Cyprus, is closely linked to the emissions of greenhouse gases and the dispersion of air pollutants. This study utilizes reanalysis gridded data from multiple open data platforms, including the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS), providing unprecedented access to large-scale datasets specifically focused on emissions and pollutants within this region. By analyzing different gridded datasets, the research aims to develop a detailed understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of emissions, dispersion processes, and their interplay with atmospheric conditions across various sectors.

The approach involves data aggregation from diverse open sources, employing advanced analytics to decode complex spatial and temporal variations, and comparative assessments to identify discrepancies and trends between reanalysis data and actual observations. This study will assess how reanalysis climatic factors contribute to the variability in emissions and pollutant levels, thereby evaluating the environmental impacts specific to various sectors and the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies throughout the EMME region, with a particular emphasis on the situation in Cyprus.

Although preliminary results are yet to be generated, the expected findings aim to offer significant insights into the dynamics of emissions and pollution dispersion within this region. This investigation not only highlights the critical role of open and reanalysis data in environmental research but  aims to make a substantial impact on regional discussions about sustainable practices by offering practical, data-driven insights. Furthermore, this study will explore how these findings can inform and enhance regional climate policy and action plans. It will particularly demonstrate how reanalysis data can be pivotal in understanding and tackling the complex issues of climate change in the EMME region, making it an essential contribution to the field of spatial climatology and regional environmental policy-making.