Scientists have found a way to cool big cities
In large cities, the air temperature is usually 2-4 degrees higher than in rural areas. To reduce the “urban heat island effect”, scientists have come up with an inexpensive way to cool the city, according to the publication Nature Communications .
A cooling strategy using reflective surfaces was developed by engineers from the University of Pittsburgh.
The “urban heat island effect” occurs due to the fact that sidewalks, residential buildings absorb much more heat than natural natural surfaces. Residents of megalopolises are forced to install air conditioners and waste water, which is bad for the environment.
To prevent the high temperature from creating an additional threat, scientists suggested covering the walls and roofs of houses and asphalt with a special film or mortar. This will protect the urban infrastructure from overheating.
Los Angeles already uses reflective coatings on main streets, but globally, this technology can be very expensive. In this case, engineers propose to apply the coating only to those surfaces that are above the main direction of the wind. Cold surfaces will cool the warm air and spread to the rest of the city that has not been grinded or covered with plastic.
It is this strategy that the authors of the study propose to use in order to achieve the cooling effect and save money.
Earlier, Rospotrebnadzor told how to avoid overheating in hot weather and make you feel better.
