2024-07-09 12:02:31
The team found that cooling roofs would be superior to all other interventions, reducing average outdoor temperatures in the city by 1.2°C over two days, and in some areas by as much as 2°C. In comparison, additional tree cover reduces air temperature by only about 0.3°C, and solar panels by 0.5°C.
The study also found that widely used air conditioners could keep indoor temperatures low, but would increase outdoor temperatures by up to 1°C in parts of central London. “In London, cooling roofs would reduce outdoor temperatures the most at pedestrian level,” says Brousse.
Although the study used only two days of data for modeling, the researcher says it is broadly consistent with similar published studies.
According to Brousse, installing reflective surfaces or brightening roof surfaces across the city would be a relatively simple and inexpensive adaptation to climate change. “I think it’s actually probably the easiest measure to implement,” he says. “I see almost no reason not to start doing it on a large scale.”
According to him, there are reasons not only for cooling, but also for the implementation of other technologies. For example, trees and green roofs can increase biodiversity and population well-being, while solar panels provide clean energy.
Greater London in 2023 the administration report states, that cooling roofs may become an increasingly important object of urban policy as summer temperatures rise due to climate change. “With temperatures in London predicted to rise and heatwaves to become more frequent, reflective roofs are likely to become a key part of the climate change adaptation strategy,” the report said.
The study is published žurnale „Geophysical Research Letters“.
Parengta pagal „New Scientist“.
2024-07-09 12:02:31