Cool roofs, which reflect sunlight, can help cities reduce the urban heat-island effect, potentially saving lives as global temperatures rise.
In short:
- Urban heat-island effect increases city temperatures due to concrete and asphalt absorbing heat.
- Cool roofs, using reflective materials, can significantly lower temperatures more effectively than green roofs or solar panels.
- Policies and incentives are needed to promote the adoption of cool roofs in urban areas.
Key quote:
"In the same way that the urban environment that we have built around us can exacerbate heat, it can also be modified to reduce that heat."
— Edith de Guzman, researcher at UCLA and director of the Los Angeles Urban Cooling Collaborative
Why this matters:
As cities grow hotter due to climate change, effective cooling measures like cool roofs can reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths. Implementing these passive cooling techniques helps make urban environments more livable and resilient.
