On scorching summer afternoons, cities often trap heat in what’s known as the urban heat island effect. A new study suggests parked cars may be making the problem worse, especially if they’re painted dark colors.
Researchers at the University of Lisbon found that black cars can raise surrounding air temperatures by nearly 4°C (7.2°F) compared to nearby pavement, while white cars have a far smaller effect. Published August 5 in City and Environment Interactions, the study highlights how the heat radiating from thousands of dark-colored vehicles could collectively intensify urban warming, adding another overlooked factor to the challenges of climate resilience.
As the sun rises every day over bustling urban landscapes, its rays are sucked up by concrete jungles and asphalt highways, casting a relentless blanket of warmth over city streets. This is known as the "urban heat island effect," where cities are turned into veritable saunas that trap heat and negatively affect residents. Even climate change can run rampant thanks to this heat.
But how does this heat island even exist? And is there a way to stop it before it’s too late? Click through this gallery to find out.