Photo:
Hundreds of roofs across the Pacific, and other parts of the world, are being painted white, as part of a health study to determine whether this helps occupants beat the heat.
About 500 roofs across four continents have been painted with a reflective coating, as part of research into tackling the health impacts of climate change.
Since the project launched in Niue in 2023, more than 200 of the 530 households on the tiny Pacific Island have signed up to take part.
Homes across Mexico, India and Burkina Faso are also included in the study.
The University of Auckland team is carrying out the research on cool roofs in Niue, while local universities are contributing to the research in the other three nations.
Dr Noah Bunkley from the University's Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Centre for Pacific and Global Health is managing the global project called REFLECT.
Cool roof application lead Hivi Puheke, Noah Bunkley, Sir Collin Tukuitinga, and Niue site lead Jama l Talagi Veidreyaki. Photo: Supplied by REFLECT project team
