Cool Roofs: A Global Experiment in Combating Heat

In Gujarat, India, a project paints roofs in white reflective coating to study how it reduces heat exposure for residents. The experiment, part of a global trial, aims to improve health and economic conditions in hot climates. Initial results suggest significant benefits from cooler indoor temperatures.

In the sweltering heat of Gujarat, India, hundreds of roofs now glisten white with a special reflective coating. This initiative, affecting 400 households in Ahmedabad, is part of a global scientific endeavor aimed at understanding the impact of indoor heat on health and economic well-being in developing regions.

Epidemiologist Aditi Bunker from the University of Heidelberg leads the project, which has shown promising results. Residents like Nehal Vijaybhai Bhil report cooler homes and reduced electricity bills, thanks to these 'cool roofs' that bounce the sun's rays away from homes.

The study, backed by the Wellcome Trust, will gather data on residents' health and indoor conditions for a year, also involving locations in Burkina Faso, Mexico, and Niue. Early findings indicate notable reductions in indoor temperatures and heart rates, potentially offering a valuable strategy against rising global temperatures.

(With inputs from agencies.)