The GCC can learn from cities that have developed clear adaptation frameworks that facilitate vertical coordination between the municipal and national government and horizontal coordination between health, labour, and meteorological departments.[99] For instance, Saudi Arabia is collaborating with Singapore to develop occupational heat exposure interventions.[100] Another lesson can be learned from Ahmedabad, India which developed a comprehensive Heat Action Plan in 2013 to help reduce heatwave mortality and set precedence for replication across the region.[101] Europe and North America also have well-established HHAP and HHWS, with HHAPs helping to avert up to 23 percent of expected deaths in Europe.[102]
As summer rolls in and temperatures start to resemble a sauna more than a pleasant outdoor experience, one can’t help but look at the Gulf states and think, “How do they do it?” With heatwaves becoming more common and intense due to climate change, the need for extreme cooling solutions has never been more pressing. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Gulf-style cooling tactics that might just save us from turning into puddles.
First off, let’s talk about what Gulf states have been doing for years. They’ve become masters of cooling innovation, developing techniques that make your average air conditioner look like a child’s toy. Imagine walking down a street where the pavement is cooler than the Arctic Circle. Yes, you heard that right! Chilled walkways are a thing. These are not just for fancy Instagram shots; they actually help keep the surrounding areas cooler, making it a lot more bearable to stroll outside without feeling like you’re melting.
Now, onto the roofs—oh, the roofs! In the Gulf, they’ve taken roof technology to a whole new level. Heat-reflecting roofs are like the sun’s worst nightmare. By using materials that reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, these roofs keep buildings cooler. So, while you’re sweating your way through another summer, the folks in the Gulf are chilling under roofs that are practically wearing sunglasses.
But wait, there’s more! The Gulf states have also pioneered the use of misting systems. You know how you feel when you walk past a fountain on a hot day? Now imagine that feeling being sprayed all over you, like a mini water park. These misting systems can cool down public spaces and provide a refreshing oasis in the middle of an asphalt jungle. It’s like a spa day for the streets!
Of course, all this cooling power comes with a hefty price tag. Wealthy oil states have the budget to invest in such advanced technologies, which leaves us wondering—what about the rest of the world? While we might not have the financial backing to install chilled walkways in our neighborhoods, we can certainly take a page out of their book and get creative with our own cooling solutions.
For example, why not plant more trees? They provide shade and help cool the surrounding area naturally. Or how about implementing reflective paints on our roofs and pavements? It’s a fraction of the cost of high-tech solutions, and we might just save a few bucks on our electricity bills while we’re at it.
In conclusion, while we might not all be able to afford the luxury of Gulf-style extreme cooling, we can certainly learn from their innovations. As heatwaves become a more regular occurrence, let’s get creative and find ways to keep our communities cool without relying solely on air conditioning. Because let’s be honest, no one wants to be that person who turns into a human puddle on the sidewalk. So, here’s to cooler summers and smarter solutions—cheers!
Inspired by: “Heatwaves spark interest in Gulf-style extreme cooling: From chilled walkways to heat-reflecting ro…” (r/climatechange)