By Nneka Nwogwugwu
University of Delaware scientists have discovered the value of using simpler tools like shovels and paintbrushes to absorb rising temperature.
The shovels are for planting trees, whose shade has been shown to lower air temperatures in sweltering cities by up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit; the brushes for painting rooftops and other dark surfaces light colors that limit the absorption of temperature-raising sunlight.
Also, a newly formulated paint coating a small square swatch held by researchers at Purdue University promises to provide almost as much cooling effect on the hottest days as central air conditioning, according to recent research.
In addition to lowering temperatures, trees improve air quality and help manage storm water.
With record global temperatures stoking droughts and deadly heat waves, some scientists are eyeing audacious schemes to counteract global warming—from erecting enormous air filters to suck carbon dioxide from the air to launching millions of sunlight-defecting space mirrors into orbit around the planet, the WSJ reports.
