Heat waves, which are periods of abnormally hot weather, are increasing in frequency and becoming more intense globally. This leaves us at the risk for dangerous heat-related illnesses and increases our power bills. Yet, what can we do other than seek refuge in cool air-conditioned areas? Here we share some steps that governments and individuals can take to survive the scorching summer heat.
For Governments and Companies
Gain wisdom from the past
Governments and companies can make use of age-old architectural techniques that were used to cope with heat. One example is this Indian company making low cost air conditioners from local materials using clay, running water, and water pumps. Their products use “evaporative cooling”, a method used by the Ancient Egyptians to achieve heat-loss by the evaporation of water from porous surfaces such as clay. Yes, it the same method we keep water cool in our a traditional zeer or olla*!
Another example is wind catchers**, architectural masterpieces built by Ancient peoples of Egypt and Iran. They mostly appear as tall rectangular chimneys that keep buildings cool. They do so by allowing cooler winds at higher elevations to be channeled through openings into the building while hot air (which is lighter) raises to the top and exits the structure.
Solar reflecting paint, cool roofs, and greenery
Although we cannot change the architecture of whole cities, we can still improve the temperature through some simple measures. Cities usually experience the “urban heat island effect”, where the temperature becomes much warmer than rural surroundings due to large areas of concrete and asphalt. To overcome this, we can try any of the following:
- Using solar-reflecting paint in spaces such as pavements and sport courts to decrease temperature by reflecting sunlight.
- Using cool roofs for buildings. Similar to solar-reflecting paint, cool roofs involve the use of lighter colored paints (preferably white) or special materials that are known to reflect sunlight and decrease heat absorption from rooftops.
- Increasing green areas, even by planting rooftops, can help decrease temperatures.
What Individuals can Do about the Heat
Here are some tips you can follow when you just cannot escape the heat:
- Close the windows with drapes during the hottest periods of the day and open them in the coolest periods. If you do not have curtains, you can use cardboard or aluminum foil to cover the windows from the inside.
- Try to create a crosswind in your home by opening opposing windows. You may even amplify the effect by placing one fan facing the inside at one window and another fan facing outside to create an air current.
- Use ice to increase the cooling effect of your fan. You can freeze water bottles or use ice cubes and place them in front of a fan to spread a cool mist in your room. Note that this benefits areas with dry heat, but would not be effective in areas with high humidity.
- Try full-arm immersions if you start to feel exhausted. Military personnel and construction workers who are exposed to high temperatures do this to lower their core body temperatures by placing their arms in very cold water for minutes at a time.
- Use cooling towels if you do not mind a bit of dampness. A cooling towel is simply a towel you keep damp with water and hang around your neck. The water in the towel absorbs heat from your body and uses it to evaporate, lowering your body temperature. During the night, you can try and sleep under a slightly damp sheet as well.
Finally, do not underestimate the importance of hydration and a healthy diet in keeping your body temperature cool. Remember to wear loose fitting clothing made from natural fibers and avoid the heat when possible. Try to be strategic with your windows, fans, and a damp towel!
References
ant.studio
bibalex.org/SCIplanet (1)
bibalex.org/SCIplanet (2)
energy.gov
epa.gov
pcimag.com
sciencedirect.com
wikihow.com
*Traditional pottery used to keep water cool.
**Read also “Air Conditioners of Ancient Times”, by Sherine Ramadan
Cover image by magnific.com