Climate Change Resilience: Cooling an Urban Heat Island
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Provided by: American Museum of Natural History|Published on: April 27, 2021
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video outlines an initiative called NYC CoolRoofs, which helps reduce the urban heat-island effect by painting roofs white in New York City.
- This reflects more sunlight and reduces the internal temperatures of buildings, reducing the amount of energy needed to cool the buildings and protecting the residents from overheating.
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Health
Authors: American Museum of Natural History
Region: North America, USA - Northeast, United States, New York, New York City
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Students will learn about the concept of the urban heat-island effect and understand the connection between this initiative and reducing carbon emissions.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students need to be familiar with the albedo effect, urban heat islands, and the effects of rising temperatures on people.
- The teacher can access the full video catalog using the link in the video description.
Differentiation
- The teacher could ask students to design solutions to the urban heat-island effect and break them down by categories such as energy efficiency, natural solutions (such as trees), insulation, etc.
- Students can learn more about urban heat islands and could create posters and videos to educate others.
- Another recommended resource is Lights Out Day, an initiative where your school would not use lighting for the whole day to save electricity.
The video describes local initiatives for reducing the impact of urban heat in New York City. The assumption that coating the roofs with white paint can reduce the internal temperatures of a building is valid. Thus, this resource is recommended for teaching.
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
