January 28, 2010
"Our research demonstrates that white roofs, at least in theory, can be an effective method for reducing urban heat," says Keith Oleson, the lead author of the study and a scientist at the National Center
January 28, 2010
"Our research demonstrates that white roofs, at least in theory, can be an effective method for reducing urban heat," says Keith Oleson, the lead author of the study and a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). "It remains to be seen if it's actually feasible for cities to paint their roofs white, but the idea certainly warrants further investigation."
White roofs would act a bit like a mirror in the urban landscape, reflecting some of the heat of the sun back into the atmosphere. Using a computer model simulation, the study found that ideally white roofs could mitigate the heat island effect by 33 percent, cooling cities by 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Since the modeling system was not able to recreate all the intricacies of the urban environment, such as dust, weathering, and barriers to painting, the effect would probably be less, but still significant.
The effect would also cool the inside of buildings allowing residents of warmer cities to use less energy in air-conditioning, thereby cutting-down on greenhouse gases. The researchers point out that certain types of cities would benefit more than others, such as those with high roof density, certain roof types, and in warmer climates.
Looking at specific metropolitan areas, the study found that the New York area could receive a cooling benefit of 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) for summers in the city by painting the roofs white.
Scientists call for research on geoengineering scheme to block sunlight
(01/27/2010) The idea goes something like this: nations would send megatons of light-scattering aerosol particles into the globe's upper atmosphere, significantly reducing sunlight reaching the earth and thereby immediately cooling the Earth. While the idea may sound like science-fiction—or desperate, depending on your opinion—researchers writing in Science say that it may be one of the best ways to lower the Earth's temperature. They argue that international research and field testing of the idea, known as solar-radiation management (SRM), should begin immediately.
Mirrors in the desert may fight global warming
(12/23/2008) Heat reflecting sheets in arid regions could cool climate by increasing Earth's reflectivity or albedo, argue scientists writing in the International Journal of Global Environmental Issues.
Weathering technology could mitigate global warming
(11/08/2007) Researchers at Harvard University and Pennsylvania State University have invented a technology, inspired by nature, to reduce the accumulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) caused by human emissions.