Heat related mortality in Cyprus under the A1B emissions scenario: Is additional air-conditioning an appropriate mitigation strategy?

Abstract

While climate change is expected to increase average temperatures around the globe as well as the number of atypically hot days and nights, several studies had identified an increase in heat-related mortality during hot weather. Indoor cooling has been identified as an important protective factor against heat related mortality but could result in higher emissions from power plants and to increased air pollution related mortality. We aimed in calculating the impact of increasing temperatures on heat-related mortality in Cyprus for the present and the 2040-2050 decade and address the protective effect of air-conditioning as the main mitigation option.