Innovative cool roofs, a crucial solution to rising heatwaves in India

April 2, 2025 Innovation Valli Sarvani

As global temperatures continue to soar, innovative solutions to combat the increasing heatwaves are becoming more critical, especially in regions like India.

In 2025, record-breaking warmth has set an alarming pace for extreme temperatures, with January, February, and March marking the warmest months on record.

As we enter April, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has already warned that the heat will persist, making it essential to address the growing challenges posed by rising temperatures.

In response to this urgent situation, an inventive approach is being tested in Gujarat, where the roofs of approximately 400 households in Ahmedabad have been painted white.

This pilot project aims to explore how cool roofs can mitigate the rising indoor temperatures and safeguard residents’ health.

The white paint used in the experiment contains titanium dioxide, a substance that reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption, keeping homes cooler.

According to epidemiologists, this initiative is vital in a world where traditional homes, once a haven from the elements, now contribute to the heat they were meant to protect against.

The rising temperature in India, exacerbated by climate change, has made summers unbearable, especially in cities like Ahmedabad, which have seen temperatures surpass 46°C in recent years.

The positive impact is already evident in the Vanzara Vas slum in Ahmedabad, where residents are noticing lower indoor temperatures.

Many locals reported improved sleep quality and reduced electricity bills. These early benefits highlight the potential of cool roofs to improve both health and comfort in vulnerable communities.

This study is part of a global effort to understand how cool roofs can combat extreme heat, with similar projects underway in countries like Burkina Faso, Mexico, and Niue.

Early results from Burkina Faso have shown that cool roofs can lower indoor temperatures by up to 1.7°C, leading to healthier, more comfortable living conditions.

As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, implementing such solutions is not only innovative but essential for countries like India.

With the potential to improve lives and reduce health risks, cool roofs offer a promising strategy for tackling the escalating heat crisis.

Image Credit: Brian O’Donnell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons