City of Evansville, IN | Climate Action Dashboard
© 2026
In San Antonio, TX, they found that by painting streets white, they could lower the immediate temperature of the surrounding area by 6 degrees Fahrenheit. Increasing the reflectivity of surfaces like rooftops and pavement is a simple way to reduce heat in cities. When these surfaces reflect more sunlight instead of absorbing it, temperatures in built-up areas can drop by several degrees. This helps reduce the “urban heat island” effect, where cities become much hotter than surrounding areas.
Cooler surfaces also lower the need for air conditioning in homes and businesses, which reduces energy use and the pollution linked to electricity production. By using less energy, communities can cut greenhouse gas emissions and ease strain on the power grid during hot weather.
In addition, reflective materials can make outdoor spaces more comfortable, reduce heat-related health risks, and help roofs and pavement last longer by limiting damage from extreme heat.
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Increases local resilience
Programs, policies, and practices that improve local energy reliability, infrastructure integrity, food supply, water quality, waste management, and other essential needs will improve our local energy, economic, environmental, and community resilience to climate impacts, particularly for underserved populations and neighborhoods most vulnerable to those impacts.
Reduces costs
Investing in clean, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings, transportation, and waste management systems reduces both short-term and long-term operating expenses. Implementation of these systems will also reduce air pollution that adversely affects public health and climate stability, reducing costs associated with health care and climate-related damages.
