More specifically, the scientists are comparing the adaptability of a certain species of ant raised in the "
heat-island" microclimate of three U.S.
Perez Cueva, "Analysis of the
heat-island effect of the city of Valencia, Spain, through air temperature transects and NOAA satellite data," Theoretical and Applied Climatology, vol.
Legendary climatologist Arthur Rosenfeld recently told the website SolveClimate that painting roofs white in cities could help reduce the urban
heat-island effect.
Some merits to the buildings covered with moss are: alleviation of urban
heat-island phenomena, cost reduction in air conditioning due to the heat shielding effects of the moss and its ability to absorb carbon dioxide, and prevention of concrete degradation by shielding it from ultra-violet and infrared rays.
Kirsch Pink, which bears pink flowers between May and November, also eases the urban
heat-island effect by 1.3 times, it said.
Select a highly reflective, light-colored roof to reduce the
heat-island effect.
In addition to these benefits, Greg Crawford, vice president of operations for the Steel Recycling Institure, Pittsburgh, says steel roofing is also considered "cool roofing" by LEED, meaning it reduces the
heat-island effect of roofing in urban areas with its reflective effect or light colors.
Other factors contributing to this
heat-island effect include heat emitted by industrial activity, gasoline combustion in the city's automobiles, and the use of utilities such as electricity and natural gas.
The "
heat-island effect" produced by such cities can have a profound impact, sometimes adverse, on the well-being of its residents (e.g., Karl and Knight, 1997).
Even without global warming, Phoenix has been the poster child for what's known as the
heat-island effect.
Garlands Starburst mineral provides 50 to 60% reflectivity, which can decrease rooftop temperatures to about 1200 F, significantly reducing urban
heat-island effect and extending the working life of the roof.
Interestingly, older high-rise projects like the Sunshine 60 complex in Ikebukuro, are situated at the epicenter of a locus of flyovers, shops and a residential warren consisting of many wood, tile and mortar houses vulnerable to the damp and decay that characterizes Tokyo's
heat-island summers.