Last year, the city of Phoenix began a new program to reduce the heat island effect in neighborhoods. Now, it has released its findings this month.
The city of Phoenix along with ASU started the “Cool Pavement Pilot Program” to relieve urban heat in several neighborhoods. The streets were coated with material designed to reflect the sunlight rather than absorb heat.
Now a year later, researchers discovered the temperatures have dropped in spots with the coating.
Surface temperatures of coated areas were found to be 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the regular asphalt.
Air temperatures had minor adjustments, and the city is still working on more accurate readings.
Hear Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego's Interview With Host Mark Brodie On The Show
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego calls this part of a broader strategy the city is using to address climate change and said that the research will continue.
The Show spoke with her and asked what she makes generally of the results of this pilot project.
