a whiter shade of green

What could offset the carbon emissions of all 600 million of the world's car for 20 years?

If scientists Hashem Akbari, Surabi Menon, and Arthur Rosenfeld (working with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) are correct, painting urban surfaces in warm areas white or a light color could do just that.

The idea is so staggeringly cool, it's worth repeating ...

A little white or light paint could offset the carbon emissions of all 600 million cars on the planet. OK, maybe not "a little" paint. Actually, it would take a lot of paint -- eco-friendly paint, we hope -- but how cool would it be if it worked?

Actually, it's already working in such places as Spain and Greece, where the majority of buildings are painted a brilliant white to stay cool in the hot sun. (White reflects light and heat.) The reverse can be found in places like Los Angeles, where black roofs and blacktop surfaces abound and absorb heat. It's no wonder temperatures reach an average of five degrees hotter in L.A. than in surrounding areas with fewer dark surfaces.

Coincidence? Akbari, Menon, and Rosenfeld certainly don't think so. Actually, the phenomenon already has a name: It's called the "urban heat island" effect. That's why these scientists are asking for $3 billion of the U.S. economic stimulus package to prove their theory.

If they're right, does this mean L.A. and other hot places will be awash in white? Maybe someday we'll see all of Earth's cities lightening up for the planet.

What do you think about this theory?

Photo courtesy of Renta. (photographer Jacques Alexandre)