Lightening up
It's like wearing white clothing outdoors in a hot climate. The light colour reflects electromagnetic radiation, including light and radiant heat, and keeps the body cool. Wearing a dark suit under a searing midday sun only absorbs more sunlight resulting in the body getting hotter. As Arctic ice, for instance, melts and is replaced by darker water, the region's warming is expected to accelerate.
Publication Date:
23/01/2009