Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds and Urban Pollution: An Interconnected System – EVOCPOLIS

EVOCPOLIS seeks to address a critical gap in atmospheric sciences by studying how urban vegetation responds to pollution and heat stress through the lens of Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs). BVOCs are regulating biosphere-atmosphere interactions, yet their emission patterns in urban environments remain poorly understood. This project focuses on establishing clear mechanistic links between urban pollution and BVOC emissions, with the ultimate goal of strengthening air quality models and guiding sustainable urban planning.

Set in Cyprus, a climate change hotspot and a crossroads of pollution sources, EVOCPOLIS combines innovative laboratory and field studies to quantify BVOC storage capacities and identify temperature-related emission tipping points. By comparing urban, rural, and natural environments, the project aims to reveal how trees adapt to pollution and heat, providing valuable insights for urban greening strategies and public health interventions.

The anticipated outcomes include novel data on urban vegetation’s role in air quality, actionable knowledge for urban planning, and strengthened capacity for climate adaptation efforts. Dissemination will be achieved through collaborations with municipalities, international experts, and open-access publications, ensuring broad impact. EVOCPOLIS will also lay the foundation for a competitive ERC proposal, advancing interdisciplinary research at the intersection of atmospheric chemistry, urban resilience, and environmental health.

EVOCPOLIS is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation

Start date: 01/05/2025 

End date: 30/08/2026

Funding: €100,030