Cities must prepare themselves better for the advancing climate change

Climate change is increasingly becoming a problem for cities and municipalities. Because the rising temperatures are making it too difficult for older and sick people in particular. Los Angeles therefore relies on solar-reflecting paint. This allowed the temperatures to be reduced significantly.

The heat waves of the past few weeks proved once again that climate change is progressing. Because in the past, temperatures above 35 degrees were considered a rarity – not to mention the frequency. Cities and municipalities are therefore looking for ways to prepare for prolonged periods of heat.

There are already solutions. But what is practical, inexpensive to purchase and operate and at the same time does not burden our planet? Researchers and city planners have some ideas. A project from Los Angeles shows how the painting of asphalt can affect the urban climate.

Invisible Shadow: How Effective is Solar Reflective Paint?

For this purpose, the project participants distributed solar-reflecting paint on various asphalt surfaces. The paint in turn contains various particles that reflect both visible sunlight and UV radiation. The project participants painted about one million square meters of streets, playgrounds and parking lots.

As a result, the temperature fell temporarily by around a few degrees Celsius. The color is therefore called “Invisible Shade”. A potential use in Germany is also conceivable. In this country, too, we are increasingly struggling with the consequences of climate change.

The high temperatures pose a life-threatening danger, especially for older and pre-existing people. If the body no longer regulates its own temperature sufficiently, a collapsing circulatory system can quickly lead to medical emergencies.

The advancing climate change requires a rethink

But color isn’t the only idea. On the one hand, for example, the greening of areas increases biodiversity. On the other hand, the shade of trees cools down in stressful everyday life.

So it’s no wonder that property developers are using exactly this type of construction for new construction projects, such as at the former Tegel Airport. In addition to mitigating the consequences, we should also look at the cause. Because we continue to emit too many greenhouse gases.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine showed that we are still too dependent on fossil fuels. A switch to sustainable energy sources such as floating solar parks, recyclable wind turbines and wave power plants is therefore also an absolute must.

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