Photo by Alex Wong ( Getty Images)The dangers of extreme heat have been exposed by the heat dome that has been baking large swathes of Canada and the U.S. This highlights the urgent need to adapt cities so they don't overheat. That means reducing the urban heat islands. Other than planting more trees, there are other ways to keep cities cool as the climate crisis worsens.AdvertisementPavement Technology Inc. developed a spray-on treatment to treat pavement called A.R.A.-1T. It claims it can lower its temperature. The spray's exact formula was developed in collaboration with researchers at Louisiana State University. It is still a trade secret but it is based on titanium dioxide, which is used in many sunscreens and white paints as well as pharmaceuticals. Photocatalyst: Titanium dioxide activates the electrons of the compounds by absorbing and dispersing light and heat.The Ohio-based company claims the product can be used as a road revitalizer and strengthen asphalt. This property could also come in handy. Roads across the West are cracking and buckled in extreme heat this week.The spray can also dissolve car exhaust pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide and volatile organic substances. Photocatalysis is a chemical process that creates energized electrons from titanium dioxide, which breaks down airborne toxins. The company claims that spraying 1.6 km of pavement can provide the same benefits for air quality as 20 acres of trees.According to the company, all properties have been confirmed by its own research. The spray is being tested in cities like Charleston, Raleigh, Greenville and Raleigh. Pavement Technology will be taking samples of asphalt from the affected areas and collecting weather data. Then, they will send them to Texas A&M University researchers to gather data about how it works.G/O Media could be eligible for a World of Warcraft 60 Day Time Card at Eneba. Use the promo code: 20210704The treatment was used by Orlando International Airport in Florida last year. Researchers found that it reduced nitrogen oxide pollution in the airport by nearly half. Charleston County officials hope to achieve similar results.The Charleston public works department has been focusing on the treatment of roads in Rosemont and Union Heights, both areas that are full of asphalt and close to major highways. These neighborhoods are epicenters of the heat island effect, which occurs in densely built-up areas. Pavements and buildings can absorb sunlight and radiate heat. These areas can reach up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 Celsius) higher than those with more trees or greenery. Low-income and areas that are home to people of color tend to have the highest heat islands. This solution could help to cool things down and provide major public health benefits. It also saves people money on cooling.AdvertisementAlthough this sounds great, it should not be a replacement for comprehensive climate justice policies. We must do more to protect cities from rising temperatures. This includes reducing carbon pollution and dismantling fossil fuel industries. This technology is not the only way to reduce heat islands. Adding trees and green spaces to neighborhoods not only lowers temperatures but can also provide mental health benefits and make outdoor spaces more inviting for people to gather. Natural space can help cities absorb rainfall, rather than let it runoff and cause flooding. While special pavement coatings can be cool, we must not forget the bigger picture.
