Scientists Just Discovered a New Key Reason Why Cities Get So Hot

One unfortunate take-away from the study is that managing convection effects will be largely impossible, since it would require massive alterations to the height and structural design of buildings in cities throughout the country.  An alternative possibility the researchers brought up was changing “albedo” — the amount of solar radiation reflected back out to space from various city surfaces like rooftops and roads — to reduce the absorption of heat in cities.  Studies have shown that while both white roofs and “green” roofs — ones planted with vegetation or gardens — have various advantages, the white roofs tend to to the best job of reflecting heat, which also comes with energy savings from the reduced need for cooling.  It’s an approach to climate adaptation that multiple American cities are already taking on of their own accord.

Scientists Just Discovered a New Key Reason Why Cities Get So Hot