To slow global warming, install white roofs

Such roofs and reflective pavement in the world’s 100 largest cities would have a massive cooling effect, according to data released at California’s annual Climate Change Research Conference.

Builders have known for decades that white roofs reflect the sun’s rays and lower the cost of air conditioning. But now scientists say they have quantified a new benefit: slowing global warming.

If the 100 biggest cities in the world installed white roofs and changed their pavement to more reflective materials — say, concrete instead of asphalt-based material — the global cooling effect would be massive, according to data released Tuesday at California’s annual Climate Change Research Conference in Sacramento.

Los Angeles Times