Mitigating Climate Change One White Roof At A Time
Ava Baranowski June 7, 2026
Dear EarthTalk: What is the “white roofs” movement all about and could this really be an effective way to combat climate change? — K.M., via email
The “white roofs” movement is a clever way to combat sweltering summers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. White roofs have been a long-standing solution to the heat in many countries with intense climates, with even the ancient Greeks and Egyptians building white roofs to keep out the heat. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu declared that white roofs “are one of the quickest and lowest cost ways we can reduce our global carbon emissions and begin the hard work of slowing climate change.”
With a coat of fresh white paint, the interior temperature of a house can be cooled by up to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, making air conditioners less needed and therefore fighting carbon emissions. But what is the science behind this? Well, have you ever been told not to wear black clothing on a hot day? The opposite is true for white. White does not absorb any visible wavelengths; All light is reflected. On the other hand, darker colors absorb light, which contributes to hotter surface temperatures in an urban setting.
Taking steps like this to conserve energy is crucial, and white roofs are part of the overall fight. A benefit of white roofs is the low cost and immediate effect. On a large scale, white roofs can reduce city wide temperatures and mitigate hot climates where the heat is typically trapped in darker buildings.
Critics call the “white roof” movement greenwashing, because by encouraging it as the solution to global warming, some people don’t understand its real limits. In colder climates, reflecting light may actually increase the demand for heat. It has even been suggested that white roofs could potentially cause increased global temperatures, since light is reflected into the atmosphere. Using white roofs is still a valuable tactic, especially in hot climates, and if it ever got to a worldwide scale, it would be as if we had stopped using 300 million cars for 20 years. Scientist at the Berkeley Lab Surabi Menon notes that “These offsets help delay warming that would otherwise take place if actual CO2 emissions are not reduced.”
To skillfully create a white, reflective barrier to the sun, it is important to identify existing issues with your roof, a budget, and the right products and suppliers. Painting your roof white can be a great way to reduce both your carbon footprint and the amount of money you spend on electricity. As a community, it is important to spread awareness about this potential solution. Through social media, family and friends, encourage others to educate themselves about white roofs to understand whether it would be most beneficial to them and the environment.
CONTACT
White roofs – Climate Action Accelerator
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