cool urban initiatives and synoptic climatology

Posted by larryk on July 3, 2014

We at the University of Miami’s Synoptic Climatology Laboratory have just completed a study to determine how an increase in albedo and vegetation within an urban area will contribute to a healthier city. We used a novel approach: determining whether cooling associated with these urban changes will alter the air mass type over a city  Read More…

Grist Covers Cool Roofs and Art Rosenfeld in Climate Hacker Series

Posted by gcca on July 1, 2014

Ben Mandel does a great piece for Grist on Art, his legacy in California, and his championing of cool roofs.  Check it outhere.

Cities Taking On Extreme Heat Down Under

Posted by karen-smith-murphy on June 20, 2014

Research commissioned by the City of Melbourne as part of its Climate Change Adaptation Strategy found that a January heat wave cost local businesses approximately $37 million.  City administrators know that with the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, they need to understand of the economic impacts of such events on businesses.  From theCity of  Read More…

Extreme Heat Triggers Power and Water Cuts in Northern India

Posted by karen-smith-murphy on June 16, 2014

A record-breaking heat wave hit northern India in June as temperatures reached 120 degrees.  The power authority couldn’t meet the increased energy demand which has led to power and water cuts throughout the region. Protesters took to the streets over the lack of basic services and attacked power sub stations, taking several workers hostage, and many  Read More…

IPCC Report: Cool Roofs Help Reduce Urban Heat

Posted by karen-smith-murphy on

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change brought together 235 authors from 58 nations to map out strategies for mitigating the impact of climate change.  The buildings section of their report notes that sixty percent of urban surfaces are covered by pavement or rooftops, and that cool roofs can help reduce energy demand, lower temperatures within  Read More…