White Will Save the World? Scientist-Painter Is Going To Repaint 2% of Earth in White
In 2021, a significant scientific breakthrough came from the laboratories of Purdue University. Scientists there unveiled the most brilliant shade of white ever created. This ultra-white paint, capable of reflecting an astounding 98% of light, has set the scientific and ecological communities abuzz with its potential applications, particularly in combating global warming.
White Will Save the World. Ylyth Magazine AIPix. 2023
The Whitest White
The color white has long been associated with reflection and freshness. The shade created by the Purdue scientists is so white that it eclipses all previous records. It reflects a staggering 98% of sunlight. This is a significant factor in thermal management as light, specifically sunlight, is a primary source of heat. The Earth, currently grappling with increasing temperatures, could unquestionably benefit from such a reflective material.
Application on Buildings
The first and most apparent use of this ultra-white paint is on structures. If applied to a building's exterior, the paint could significantly reduce the surface temperature. This, in turn, could lower indoor temperatures, thus reducing the reliance on air conditioning units. The reduced use of air conditioners would lead to lower electricity consumption and, subsequently, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
A Global Cooling Solution?
While the effect of this paint on individual buildings is noteworthy, its potential impact on a larger scale is truly mind-boggling. Jeremy Munday, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Davis, suggests that if a material like Purdue's paint were to cover 1-2% of the Earth's surface, the resulting reflection of light back into space could reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the planet sufficiently to stabilize global temperatures.
The Cosmic Impact
One might wonder about the cosmic implications of reflecting such a large amount of light back into space. However, Munday assures that the impact would be minimal. He likens it to adding a cup of regular water to the vastness of the ocean.
Paris, France repainted in white color. Ylyth Magazine AIPix. 2023
The Scale of The Task
To appreciate the enormity of the task at hand, one must understand the size of the Earth's surface. With a total area of approximately 197 million square miles, covering even 1% would require the paint to be spread over roughly 2 million square miles. This is a bit more than half the total land area of the United States.
The Quantity of Paint Required
Estimations suggest that if this new paint behaves like commercial paint, a gallon would cover about 400 square feet. Therefore, to cover just 1% of the Earth's surface, we would require nearly 139 billion gallons of this super-reflective white paint. The quantity would double if we aspire to cover 2% of the surface. This calculation does not take into account the complexities of painting over oceans, deserts, and forests.
The Concept of White for Cooling
The idea of painting things white to reduce temperatures is not a new one. For instance, it's common to see many white cars in hotter regions like Texas. Many cities worldwide are already investing in painting surfaces white to combat the heat. This new paint from Purdue University will undoubtedly assist in these efforts. Still, it underscores the magnitude of the challenge we face in solving the climate crisis.
Conclusion
The creation of this ultra-white paint by Purdue University is a testament to human ingenuity and our ceaseless efforts to combat climate change. While the task of painting a significant portion of the Earth's surface white is daunting, the potential rewards are too substantial to ignore. This super-reflective paint may well be a game-changing tool in our fight against global warming, representing a beacon of hope in an often bleak landscape.
