The polar caps are melting away and the decrease in the albedo effect could be compensated for by governments and individuals by inverting the tarmac/asphalt colouring system. Thus, instead of using black top layers and white carriageway markings as is presently done, an opposite white-black application would increase the albedo effect the world over with a high average output of reflected rays which would not only compensate for the loss caused by the melting polar caps but also, generally, by making up for carbon emission increases into the atmosphere.
This post was submitted by Victor Cauchi.
I would think the resulting glare caused by the white roads would blind drivers.
Comment by Hallei — February 28, 2010 @ 2:40 am
What an innovative idea! I’ve never considered that before…
Comment by Jami Reimer — July 4, 2010 @ 1:44 am
I second the above comment. The resulting glare under an Aussie sun particularily in summer is so not practicle. The real answer would be to reduce our reliance on cars and hense on roads. Besides, there is no telling what sort of effect all that reflected light would have on the environment either. The result might not be any better then whats already there. The smart thing to do would be to find a way to tap the heat absorbed by the road into something like water heating and steam power. Geo-thermal power in an everyday environment. Can’t be that impossible can it?
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Comment by Sonia — January 29, 2011 @ 2:29 am
It would also be nice for us crazies who like to go barefoot from time to time – it’s a lot cooler on the feet.
Comment by Fulano — July 29, 2011 @ 2:02 am
Hmm, thermocouples embedded in the roadway? Converting some of the interstate highway right-of-way into high speed rail or perhaps maglev raised above the surface traffic? Okay, how about using the median for an electric rail system shaded by a continuous pv awning running the length of the system? The rights-of-way are already publicly owned, so no new land would need to be commandeered, and the project could be done in sections, just as existing highway projects are done. The system could perhaps also be the core of a smart grid with storage stations/electric vehicle charging stations spaced all along the highway helping to balance the load, especially if a significant portion of the electric vehicle fleet were used as grid storage like Denmark is apparently trying out. Worth looking into what we could do to improve the existing road infrastructure, at least.
Comment by Erik — August 8, 2011 @ 3:25 pm