In response to the escalating temperatures in Gujarat, a significant number of residences in Ahmedabad have undergone a new treatment known as “cool roofs,” which involves applying a white reflective coating to their rooftops. This initiative, launched two months ago, is part of a broader global scientific study designed to assess the effects of extreme indoor heat on health and economic stability in developing countries, while also exploring the potential benefits of reflective roofing, as reported by Reuters.
In recent years, Ahmedabad has experienced temperature spikes exceeding 115°F, largely attributed to climate change, which has placed considerable strain on its inhabitants. Residents of the Vanzara Vas slum, one of the communities participating in this trial, have already reported experiencing the beneficial impacts of the cool roofs. A resident previously recounted her struggles with the heat, explaining how she would cover her roof with plastic sheets and grass to alleviate the warmth, often spending extended periods outdoors during the peak heat of the day. The trial is scheduled to last for one year, during which it will evaluate both the health and environmental conditions of households equipped with cool roofs in comparison to those without. This research initiative is also being conducted in various locations across Africa, Mexico, and Niue.
