Pavement materials used on streets, parking lots and other expansive outdoor surfaces are a big contributor to the excess heat that’s been overtaking many large and densely populated urban areas. Many pavement materials radiate a lot heat into the atmosphere, making environments not only uncomfortable but also a cause of serious health threats. Scientists, engineers, climate experts, transportation officials and others are exploring a variety of potential strategies for cooling things down around heavily paved surfaces and slowing global warming. Fulton Schools Assistant Professor Ariane Middel, a researcher in ASU’s Urban Climate Research Center, has been a key contributor to projects showing positive results in reducing urban heat.

See Also: Middel appears in the current documentary “Surviving Hothouse Earth” on public television in Germany.