Cyprus-based project to monitor Mideast emissions

A new research center to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in the east Mediterranean and the Middle East officially launched Tuesday on the island nation of Cyprus as part of efforts to tackle climate change across the vulnerable region.

The 30 million-euro ($33 million) project is equally funded by the European Union and Cyprus and will boast one of Europe's largest environmental observation posts. The Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate and Atmosphere Research Center will eventually involve a state-of-the-art scientific complex to monitor the Middle East, coordinator Jean Sciare said.

The project will bring together top scientists from France, Germany, the Netherlands and three other countries to monitor greenhouse gas emissions with satellites and other technology.

Another goal is to raise public awareness about climate change in the Middle East,...