A recent study by the University College London and the University of Exeter suggests that painting all roofs in London white could have saved hundreds of lives during the record hot summer of 2018. The average temperature was 19.2°C, about 1.6°C above normal. Light-coloured roofs could have reduced the city’s temperature by 0.8°C, preventing 32% of heat-related deaths. 

Additionally, covering roofs with solar panels could cool the city by 0.3°C preventing further deaths while generating over half of London’s energy needs for the year. 

The study highlights the need for urban adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.