βοΈ Phoenix tests cool roads, but pedestrians feel the heat
Phoenix experimented with a reflective road coating to combat extreme heat in 2020. The City of Phoenix and ASU tested this coating on various neighborhoods between July 15, 2020, and July 14, 2021. Treated roads were 12 degrees cooler at noon, but the mean radiant temperature rose by an average of 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates that while the surface cooled, pedestrians felt hotter due to reflected sunlight. Cities are now studying the trade-offs, realizing shade might be needed alongside cool pavement technology. π₯΅