White roofs effectively counter climate change

William Atkins
Thursday, 06 November 2008 20:38

Science - Energy

The researchers found that from 1983 to 2006 the average surface air temperature within the Almeria region decreased (cooled) by 0.3 degrees (Celsius).

They stated that this decrease was in opposition to regional and global warming trends, which is seeing increases (warming) in temperatures.

They wrote, “We present the first empirical evidences to support the working hypothesis of the development of a localized forcing created by surface albedo change to explain the differences in temperature trends among stations either inside or far from this agricultural land.”

The conversion of pastures to greenhouses in the Almeria region was done with the use of white roofs on the greenhouses. Around 26,000 hectares (100 square miles) of land contain these white-roofed hothouses.

Even though the rest of Spain saw a 0.5 degrees (Celsius) increase in temperature per decade, the Almeria area, as stated above, saw a 0.3 degree (Celsius) decrease in temperature per decade, both starting in 1983.

According to the New Scientist article “Hot white roofs are height of cool” (October 11-17, 2008, page 15), “The team thinks that the white roofs are key to the cooling, demonstrating the potential for placing reflective surfaces in semi-arid regions of the world to offset climate change.”

Replacing dark roofs with lighter colored roofs, along with placing reflective materials on buildings and other structures could help to reduce temperatures in cities and towns around the world.

Maybe "white" is the new "green" when it comes to being environmentally conscious!