Natalia Zhidkova

Natalia Zhidkova

Above the Heat: Why Cities Need White Roofs Now

As global temperatures rise, cities need affordable ways to stay cool—white roofs offer one. Reflective coatings can lower indoor temperatures by up to 6 °C and reduce urban heat by 2 °C. Case studies from London to Delhi slums show clear benefits in comfort, energy savings, and emissions. These coatings are low-cost, easy to apply, and often community-led. Despite some trade-offs, white roofs are a powerful tool for cooler, healthier cities.

Last call for coal-fired power

Finland’s last coal-fired power and heat plant, located in Salmisaari, Helsinki, will be permanently shut down on April 1, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in Finland’s transition away from coal, following a 2019 government decision to ban its use…