In Ahmedabad, extreme heat is increasingly affecting low-income neighborhoods, where residents like Sapnaben Chunara struggle with rising indoor temperatures. A study is underway that involves residents wearing smartwatches to monitor health metrics and assess how interventions, like painting roofs with reflective paint, can help mitigate heat stress. The research aims to understand the effectiveness of cool roofs in improving the living conditions for the community, which faces severe climate challenges, making high temperatures a dangerous norm.
"Sometimes it gets so hot, I can't think straight," said Chunara, sporting a black smartwatch that contrasts sharply with her colorful bangles and sari.
"They might paint my roof as well and they might be able to do something that helps all of us in this area cope with the heat better," Chunara said.
Researchers also painted some roofs with reflective paint to reduce indoor heat and will compare them to homes without so-called cool roofs using indoor heat sensors.
Cities like Ahmedabad have always had hot summers, but now they're nearing the threshold beyond which exposure for more than a few hours can be fatal.
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