Cities’ Response to Climate Change: Adaptation Measures

A volunteer from the NYC CoolRoofs program is applying a reflective coating to a rooftop in order to reduce heat absorption. The NYC Department of Small Business Services is responsible for the program. EcoWatch, founded in 2005 as an environmental newspaper based in Ohio, is a trusted digital platform that publishes quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Environmental professionals are advising that cities should shift their focus from solely mitigating climate change to adapting to its impacts. Heatwaves have become more frequent, with urban areas experiencing higher temperatures due to the “urban heat island effect.” Dark roofs and asphalt absorb heat, while glass windows reflect sunlight onto the ground. The lack of greenery and tall buildings obstruct wind, exacerbating the heat. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, urban heat islands can be 1-7ºF warmer during the day and 2-5ºF warmer at night than surrounding areas. The Global Center for Adaptation predicts that by 2050, the urban population affected by heat will increase by 800%. Urban temperature control is also an issue of equity, as vulnerable and low-income residents often live in buildings with poor ventilation and lack of green spaces. Cities are implementing architectural and design changes to improve resilience to heat. In Medellín, Colombia, the government created “Green Corridors” consisting of shaded routes connecting parks and other areas of interest. The project involved training citizens to become gardeners and planting trees and plants to provide shade. Urban parks have been proven to reduce ambient temperatures by approximately 1ºC. Green Corridors in Medellín have lowered temperatures by about 5.5ºF and are expected to decrease further in the coming decades, improving air quality and overall biodiversity. Los Angeles, California, aims to combat the urban heat island effect by replacing dark surfaces with lighter ones. The city has experimented with painting streets white using a CoolSeal coating, which has resulted in surfaces measuring 10-15 degrees cooler on average. However, concerns have been raised that walking on the white streets may create a greater heat experience for pedestrians. New York’s CoolRoofs project has covered over 10 million square feet of rooftops with a reflective coating to combat the urban heat island effect. This coating significantly reduces rooftop temperatures, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning. The project estimates that for every 2,500 square feet of reflective roofs, NYC can reduce its carbon emissions by one ton. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has utilized the concept of Mashrabiya, an ancient Arabic architectural technique, to combat extreme heat. Al Bahar Towers feature computer-controlled shades on the building facade, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning by 50%. Athens, Greece, plans to renovate a historic aqueduct to irrigate green corridors throughout the city and help reduce average daily temperatures. The aqueduct was built in 125 AD and used to be the main water source for the city. These innovative approaches show how cities are adapting to the effects of heat and working towards a more sustainable and comfortable future.