Dark-Colored Cars Can Raise Urban Air Temperatures by Several Degrees
3 days ago
- #urban heat
- #vehicle impact
- #climate change
- Dark-colored cars can raise urban air temperatures by about 3.5°F.
- Urban areas are already hotter due to black asphalt and dark buildings, but parked dark cars contribute significantly.
- A study in Lisbon found black cars radiated up to 3.8°C more heat than asphalt, while white cars had a minimal effect.
- Los Angeles, with its vast parking spaces and sunny climate, could see significant temperature increases from dark cars.
- The study suggests using lighter-colored municipal vehicles and reflective coatings to mitigate urban heat island effects.
- Governments could incentivize companies to repaint commercial vehicles in lighter colors.
- Manufacturers might consider offering more two-tone paint schemes with white roofs or brighter paint options.