In one of Los Angeles's hottest neighbourhoods, more than 700,000 square feet of dark asphalt was covered with a solar-reflective coating. The aim was simple: reduce the amount of heat absorbed by streets, car parks, playgrounds and other paved surfaces.

Urban centres around the world are looking for ways to cope with rising temperatures as heat waves become more frequent and prolonged. One possible solution may seem obvious, but…

In one of Los Angeles's hottest neighbourhoods, more than 700,000 square feet of dark asphalt was covered with a solar-reflective coating. The aim was simple: reduce the amount of…