Tag

Urban Heat Islands

All articles tagged with #urban heat islands

science-and-technology1 year ago•1 min saved

Innovative Cooling Tech Promises Lower Air Conditioning Costs

A team of scientists from China and the US has developed a new directional radiative cooler that can be applied to vertical surfaces like walls and vehicle exteriors, potentially reducing air conditioning costs and combating climate change. This innovative cooling material overcomes the limitations of traditional radiative coolers, which are most effective on horizontal surfaces. The technology could significantly lower energy demand and mitigate urban heat island effects, contributing to global sustainability efforts.

via South China Morning Post|

#china-us-collaboration #climate-change #energy-efficiency

climate-change2 years ago•4 min saved

The Impact of Urbanization on Heat Waves and AC Maintenance

Concrete and asphalt surfaces in urban areas can reach temperatures as high as 82°C (180°F) on the hottest days, posing a risk of burns to individuals. These surfaces absorb and radiate up to 95% of the sun's energy, contributing to the formation of urban heat islands, where temperatures can be 1 to 3°C (1.8 to 5.4°F) warmer than surrounding rural areas. The lack of green spaces and vegetation exacerbates this effect, trapping heat at night. Creating more green spaces in cities can help mitigate high temperatures and improve quality of life.

via Reuters|

#asphalt #climate-change #concrete

climate-change2 years ago•3 min saved

Urban Heat Islands: A Growing Threat to Millions in the U.S.

A recent analysis by Climate Central reveals that over 40 million people in the United States live in urban heat islands, where temperatures are elevated by at least 8 degrees Fahrenheit due to the replacement of natural land cover with buildings and pavement. The study highlights how certain populations are disproportionately affected by global warming, with cities like New York, Houston, and Los Angeles housing over a million people impacted by the urban heat island effect. Experts warn that higher temperatures in urban areas pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable communities, and suggest solutions such as increasing green spaces, using reflective materials, and planting trees to mitigate the impact of urban heat islands.

via NBC News|

#climate-central #climate-change #equity

environment2 years ago•7 min saved

"Beating the Heat: Smart Strategies for Cities, Power Grids, and Individuals"

Satellite images captured by the International Space Station reveal the impact of green spaces, white road surfaces, and water features in helping cities cool down during heatwaves. These images are valuable assets for city planners as heat-related deaths continue to rise. The data can be used to identify hotspots, vulnerable regions, and assess the cooling impacts of heat mitigation approaches. Simple adjustments such as installing more green spaces, planting trees, and painting concrete surfaces white have proven effective in combating trapped heat. Cities like Paris, Seville, Rotterdam, and Athens have implemented innovative strategies to combat heatwaves, including creating cool islands, installing awnings and fountains, and planting vegetation on rooftops. Future satellite technology aims to provide even higher resolution images for more detailed planning.

via BBC|

#climate-resilience #environment #green-spaces