Happy habitats to ward off heat

A section of Beachy Avenue in Los Angeles being painted light gray to lower heat impact

The worldwide impact of heatwaves and related extreme weather events prompted mankind to seek solutions and reduce their negative effects.

 Here are some notable success stories from the US, India and Jordan.  

The Cool Roof and Pavement Program, Los Angeles, California, USA: The on-going project has helped to reduce the urban heat island effect and lower temperatures in the city.

Under this program, the city offers rebates to property owners who install cool roofs, which are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce the amount of heat absorbed by buildings. The program also provides incentives for the installation of cool pavements, which are designed to reflect more sunlight than traditional asphalt or concrete surfaces.

Since the program's launch in 2014, over 1,500 cool roofs and 35,000 square meters of cool pavement have been installed in Los Angeles, helping to reduce surface temperatures by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6 degrees Celsius) in some areas. The program has also helped to reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 40,000 metric tons per year.

Other successful examples of anti-heat wave efforts include the planting of trees and green spaces to provide shade and cool the urban environment, the use of heat-resilient building materials and designs, and the development of early warning systems and heat action plans to help communities prepare for and respond to heat waves.

Heat Resilient Homes, Delhi, India: A non-profit organization called Chintan has been working to help residents of national capital Delhi build homes that are more resilient to extreme heat. The organization provides training and materials to help homeowners construct homes with features like double-layered roofs, reflective paint, and courtyards that help to keep the interiors cool. These features can help to reduce indoor temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius, which can be life-saving during heat waves.

Heat Action Plan, Ahmedabad, India: The largest city in the western Indian state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad has developed a heat action plan to help residents prepare for and respond to extreme heat events. The plan includes measures like setting up cooling shelters, distributing free water, and providing training to healthcare workers on how to recognize and treat heat-related illnesses. Since the plan was introduced in 2013, the city has seen a significant reduction in heat-related deaths during heat waves.

White roofs fight heat better in  Ahmedabad, India

Jordan Greening Initiative: Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, but this project is working to transform the desert landscape by planting millions of trees and shrubs. The project has helped to reduce the heat island effect in urban areas, and has also created new sources of income for rural communities through activities like beekeeping and honey production.

Jordan’s arid landscape

Boy involved in Jordan Greening Initiative

By taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote resilience and adaptation, and raise awareness of the impacts of heat waves, we can help to protect vulnerable communities and build a more sustainable future.