Heat island effect

Stroke

Extreme night-time heat significantly increases risk of stroke

Extreme night-time temperatures significantly increase the risk of stroke, according to a new study. The researchers behind the study say that armed with these findings, people can better safeguard themselves against increasingly hot nights.

By 2050, it is estimated that around 66 percent of the world's population will be living in cities. Without a plan in place, climate change and the pressures of a growing society could see the costs of managing an overheated city stacking up

Environment

Urban heat islands could gain serious sizzle by 2100

If you thought last year’s heat waves were bad, brace yourself because there’s a good chance things are going to become even more intense. According to a new study, cities could become warmer by as much as 8°C (14.4°F) by 2100. But there's a solution to this and it begins in your neighborhood.

Dr Angus Gentle holding a piece of the special material over an existing cool roof used in testing

Environment

Coated polymer stack promises to keep your roof cool in summer

Of all the scenarios you'd want to find yourself in during a heatwave, being barefoot on a hot tin roof would be toward the bottom of the list. But scientists have developed a material said to keep a rooftop cooler than the air that surrounds it, saving energy and sweating residents in the process.