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As part of the METACITIES Cyprus cluster activities, the Cyprus Consumers Association (CCA) has produced a new awareness video addressing the impact of urban temperatures on citizens’ quality of life. The video explores the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon where urban areas record significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings, due to factors such as dense construction, lack of green spaces, traffic, and pollution.

Through on-site temperature measurements across different urban locations in Nicosia, the video captures the differences between shaded and unshaded areas and features insights from citizens regarding how heat affects their everyday lives. These real-life perspectives highlight the growing need for evidence-based urban design and climate-adaptive planning.

Watch the video here: Tackling Urban Heat Island Through the METACITIES Cyprus Pilot

This initiative was carried out in the framework of the METACITIES project, which aims to accelerate the digital and green transformation of cities in Southeast Europe by developing open digital tools, promoting cross-border collaboration, and engaging citizens and public authorities in the co-creation of smart, sustainable urban solutions.

The Urban Heat Island use case in Cyprus is one of project’s  pilot activities addressing real-world challenges through data, simulation, and participatory engagement. Outcomes from these efforts feed into the broader METACITIES toolkit and R&I strategy, supporting other cities across the region in designing inclusive and resilient urban environments.