Cool Road

AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

JIM MCMAHON\MAPMAN®

During the summer, temperatures in Qatar can reach a sweltering 50°C (122°F). Now, engineers in the nation’s capital of Doha are trying to beat the heat—by painting a major roadway blue. Dark materials absorb more of the sun’s rays than lighter ones, which is why black asphalt can become extremely hot during the day. A coating of blue paint increases a street’s albedo. The ability to reflect more sunlight could cool the road in Doha by 15°C to 20°C (27°F to 36°F). That could make the city more comfortable for the millions of soccer fans who plan to attend the World Cup there in 2022.

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