Cool Roofs Could Have Prevented Hundreds of Heat-Related Deaths in London

A study reveals that painting roofs white or installing solar panels could significantly reduce urban temperatures and save lives.

Researchers from UCL and the University of Exeter found that cool roofs could have saved 249 lives during London's hottest summer in 2018.
Painting roofs white or reflective colors could lower average city temperatures by 0.8°C, mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Rooftop solar panels could also reduce temperatures by 0.3°C and generate up to 20 terawatt-hours of electricity, more than half of London's annual usage.
Adopting cool roofs could reduce the economic burden of heat-related deaths by approximately £615 million.
The study emphasizes the need for urban adaptation to climate change, highlighting cool roofs and solar panels as effective solutions.