The Unintended Heat Trap of White Roofs

A study by Harvard researchers reveals that painting roofs white to reflect heat can inadvertently increase temperatures in surrounding areas due to changes in local atmospheric circulation. This geoengineering technique, intended to combat urban heat, can lead to increased convection and reduced rainfall, potentially exacerbating climate inequity by causing additional warming in neighboring regions. The findings highlight the complexity of implementing such solutions and their unintended consequences on local climates.