Cities across the U.S. are combating this summer’s record heat by adopting technologies that reflect sunlight away from buildings, roads, and other surfaces, thereby reducing temperatures. Technologies like green roofs in Washington, D.C., and super-reflective coatings for pavements and windows are gaining popularity due to their effectiveness in mitigating the urban heat island effect. In Los Angeles’ Pacoima neighborhood, a partnership with GAF has led to the application of a reflective coating on a basketball court and streets, reducing air temperatures by 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit and surface temperatures by 10 degrees during extreme heat days. These cooling strategies not only make urban areas more bearable during heatwaves but also contribute to energy savings by reducing the need for air conditioning. The push for such technologies is part of a broader effort to adapt urban environments to the challenges posed by climate change and rising global temperatures.

https://www.wsj.com/science/environment/heat-reflective-paint-cooling-technology-2551cb2b