According to a new study, "heat islands" created by urban paving and buildings are also responsible for causing smog and rainfall.
"With a pave-it-all mentality, Houston is clearly warmer than the surrounding plains, its asphalt-covered roads and roofs storing heat and stoking summer's fiery temperatures by up to 9 degrees.But now there's evidence Houston's blacktop makes the city a wetter place, too. Scientists say nearly half as much more rain is falling in some areas because of this self-heating...In addition to bringing rain, warming temperatures may contribute to smog...Other studies confirm an intuitive belief that as cities grow, their "urban heat island" effect grows as well...Urban planners admit that convincing businesses to abandon traditional building methods will not be easy, and Houston has never had a park-first mentality."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Hot? Blame the pavement
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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