Messages from the Edge Mid-July 2024

“When I feel the heat, I see the light.”  ~ Everett Dirksen

Where we are (damn, it’s hot in here…)

To review, as your EcoDharma Doula for the next eight months, I will offer you a monthly contemplation on what is commonly called ‘Getting to Zero.’ Science tells us we have 25 years to reduce our emissions to Zero. We are looking at a carbon reduction diet, which begins by looking at the big picture. We wish to turn the right side to Zero by 2050 or:

(Lighting + Heating + Cooling + cooking + driving + refrigeration + embodied energy + heating water + utilities + gardening + vampire energy) – (Clean Energy we Produce or Offset) = (Everything we Use)

It being summertime, and with rampant heat waves affecting much of the world, I will spend this mid-month piece discussing affordable cooling strategies with an eye toward a redundant, diverse approach to counteract the coming climate contingencies.

“The heat is searing and superb. The paddocks surrounding the town are bleached blond. The distant ring-barked gums, mile after mile, wriggle in the heatwaves and seem to melt like the bristles of a melting hairbrush. The hills turn powder-blue and gauzy. Mirages resembling pools of mica and shallows of crystal water appear at the far ends of streets and roads. Punctually at eleven every burning morning, the cicadas begin to drill the air, to drill themselves also, ceaselessly and relentlessly, to death in one short day after seven long years underground.” ~ Hal Porter

One of the predictions from climate science is the steady migration of climate northward. The Earth’s principal climatic zones appear to be shifting poleward. If this continues, as climate models project, the weather patterns that give rise to deserts in the subtropics and stormy wet weather in the mid-latitudes will move toward the poles of the Earth. These shifts cause many future regional changes scientists expect to affect our climate. The corn belt may well be in Minnesota in our children’s lifetime.

“They all confirm that species across the world, from elephants to tiny diatoms in the ocean, are streaming toward the two poles. Land-dwelling organisms are retreating by an average of 10 miles per decade, while ocean-dwelling ones are migrating by as much as 45 miles. Life on Earth’s surface is shifting away from the equator at a rate of 16 feet per day, northward in the northern hemisphere and southward in the southern hemisphere. In the oceans, this equates to a distance of 66 feet per day.” ~ Benjamin von Brackel: Nowhere Left to Go

Another prediction from climate science is the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves and heat-related disruptions.

Heat Waves and Heat Domes

We hear a lot about heat domes. Heat waves and heat domes are related phenomena but differ in their specific characteristics and mechanisms. A heat wave occurs during a prolonged period of scorching weather, which may or may not include high humidity. Heat waves can result from atmospheric conditions, including high-pressure systems, stagnant air masses, and prolonged clear skies. In contrast, a heat dome refers explicitly to a robust, stationary, high-pressure system that traps a dome of hot air over a region, preventing it from dissipating and intensifying the heat. In contrast, a heat dome can cause a heat wave, but not all heat waves result from heat domes. Heat waves can also be caused by other factors like warm air advection and regional climate patterns, whereas heat domes involve the specific trapping mechanism of a high-pressure system.

“If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?” ~ Steven Wright

In this mid-month Message from the Edge, we will reveal some lower-cost ways of surviving sweltering heat. We will be taking a look at:

• Deciduous Shade Trees
• Window Shades
• Window coatings
• Window awnings
• cooling stations
• Whole House Fans
• Ceiling fans
• Evaporative Cooling
• Window Air Source Heat Pumps

Cascading Failures During Heat Waves

What Happened During the Chicago Heatwave of 1995

The Chicago Heatwave of 1995 was a catastrophic weather event that took place in mid-July, leading to the deaths of over 700 people. The city experienced extreme temperatures, with highs reaching 106°F (41°C) and heat indices soaring above 120°F (49°C). The heatwave lasted several days, worsened by high humidity and stagnant air conditions. This prolonged excessive heat overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure and emergency response systems, resulting in a public health crisis.

Details of the Chicago Heatwave of 1995

The heatwave led to a series of cascading failures across the city. The high temperatures caused roads to buckle and asphalt to melt, impairing transportation. The surge in electricity demand for air conditioning overloaded the power grid, resulting in widespread power outages. This outage left many residents without cooling, particularly affecting the elderly, poor, and socially isolated individuals who were already vulnerable. Emergency services were overwhelmed with calls, hospitals reached capacity, and morgues ran out of space for the deceased. The impaired transportation meant mission-critical facilities with diesel-powered backups ran out of fuel and had no way to refill. The lack of air conditioning in many homes and the failure of emergency cooling measures amplified the human toll of the heatwave.

Lessons Learned from the Chicago Heatwave of 1995

The 1995 Chicago Heatwave highlighted critical urban planning, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness vulnerabilities. One major lesson was establishing community cooling centers and ensuring public awareness of their locations during extreme heat events. It also underscored the need for better coordination among emergency services and improved communication strategies to reach vulnerable populations. The event emphasized upgrading the power grid and ensuring reliable backup power for critical services. Additionally, the heat wave brought attention to the urban heat island effect, leading to increased efforts in urban greening and implementing heat mitigation strategies in city planning. Overall, the heatwave served as a wake-up call for cities to develop more resilient systems to cope with extreme weather conditions.

Affordable Cooling Strategies

“Let’s face it, the universe is messy. It is nonlinear, turbulent, and chaotic. It is dynamic. It spends its time in transient behavior on its way to somewhere else, not in mathematically neat equilibria. It self-organizes and evolves. It creates diversity, not uniformity. That’s what makes the world interesting, that’s what makes it beautiful, and that’s what makes it work.” ― Donella H. Meadows, Thinking In Systems: A Primer

Thinking about affordable cooling strategies means thinking like a system and adding redundancies to ensure that our household system can provide diverse responses to the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world we have created. Being affordable, there is good reason to implement as many of these as possible to provide the adaptability needed to address the unraveling nature of extreme heat.

Overview

We try to remind ourselves that diversity and redundancy breed resilience, and resilience is an essential ingredient in this unstable world that confronts us. We know that as the system collapses, failure compounds failure, leading to uncertain and unattractive outcomes. We plan to have redundant options as layer after layer of systems.

Deciduous Shade Trees

Why Use Deciduous Trees for Cooling

Deciduous trees are an effective and natural way to cool homes and buildings, providing numerous environmental and economic benefits. These trees lose their leaves in the fall, allowing sunlight to penetrate and warm buildings during the winter months, and grow back in the spring, offering shade during the hot summer. This natural growth cycle and dormancy make deciduous trees ideal for regulating temperatures seasonally, reducing the reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. Additionally, they help combat the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding areas due to human activities and infrastructure.

How Deciduous Trees Provide Cooling

Deciduous trees cool the environment through shading and the process of transpiration. During the summer, the dense canopy of leaves blocks and reflects sunlight, preventing it from directly heating buildings and the surrounding ground. This shading effect can significantly lower temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning. Furthermore, trees absorb water through their roots and release it as water vapor through their leaves in transpiration. This process cools the air around the trees, much like evaporation cools our skin. Strategic planting of deciduous trees on the south and west sides of buildings maximizes their shading and cooling benefits during the hottest parts of the day. Remember, climates are moving toward the poles, so look toward the equator for trees that like the climate headed your way.

Advantages of Using Deciduous Trees for Cooling

Using deciduous trees for cooling offers several advantages. Environmentally, they reduce the carbon footprint by lowering the demand for energy-intensive air conditioning. Trees also improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen. Economically, homeowners and businesses can save on energy bills by leveraging the natural cooling trees provide. Additionally, deciduous trees enhance property values and provide aesthetic benefits, creating more attractive and comfortable outdoor spaces. Beyond individual benefits, widespread planting of deciduous trees can contribute to broader climate resilience, helping urban areas adapt to rising temperatures and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Window Shades

Why Use Window Shades for Cooling

Window shades are an effective and versatile solution for cooling homes and buildings, helping to manage indoor temperatures by blocking or filtering sunlight. With rising energy costs and growing awareness of environmental sustainability, reducing the reliance on air conditioning through passive cooling methods like window shades has become increasingly important. They provide an immediate and practical way to reduce heat gain during hot weather, making indoor spaces more comfortable and energy-efficient.

How Window Shades Provide Cooling

Window shades chill indoor environments by blocking or reflecting solar radiation that would otherwise enter through windows and increase indoor temperatures. Manufacturers design various window shades, including roller, cellular, and reflective blinds. You can adjust these shades to control the amount of light and heat entering a room. Automated window shades, equipped with light and heat sensors, can change their position throughout the day to optimize shading based on the sun’s intensity and angle, ensuring consistent cooling. Window shades can significantly reduce the amount of heat passing through windows by using materials that reflect sunlight and insulating properties.

Advantages of Using Window Shades for Cooling

The use of window shades for cooling offers several advantages. Environmentally, they help reduce the demand for air conditioning, leading to lower energy consumption and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, window shades can significantly save energy bills by keeping indoor spaces cooler and reducing the load on cooling systems. Additionally, window shades protect interior furnishings from sun damage and fading by blocking harmful UV rays. Aesthetically, they come in various styles and materials, allowing for customization to match any interior design. Window shades are a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and versatile solution for enhancing indoor comfort and sustainability.

Window coatings

Why Use Window Coatings for Cooling

Window coatings are an effective and unobtrusive method for enhancing the cooling efficiency of homes and buildings. With rising temperatures and increasing energy costs, reducing heat gain through windows is crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor environments and minimizing the reliance on air conditioning. Window coatings offer a cost-effective solution for improving thermal performance without requiring extensive renovations or replacements of existing windows.

How Window Coatings Provide Cooling

Window coatings, also known as window films, reflect and absorb solar radiation before entering the building. People typically apply these coatings to the interior or exterior surface of the windows. They come in various types, including reflective, tinted, and low-emissivity (Low-E) films. Manufacturers design reflective films to reflect a significant portion of the sun’s heat and glare, while tinted films reduce the intensity of sunlight. Low-E coatings are particularly effective, as they can reflect infrared light (which carries heat) while allowing visible light to pass through, thus maintaining natural illumination while minimizing heat gain. By reducing the amount of solar radiation that penetrates the windows, these coatings help keep cooler indoor temperatures.

Advantages of Using Window Coatings for Cooling

Using window coatings for cooling offers multiple advantages. Environmentally, they help reduce the demand for energy-intensive air conditioning, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. Economically, window coatings can significantly lower energy bills by reducing the need for cooling, making them a cost-effective investment for both residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, window coatings protect interior furnishings from UV damage and fading, enhancing the longevity of furniture, carpets, and artwork. They also maintain the aesthetic appeal of buildings by offering various options that can improve privacy without compromising natural light. Window coatings provide a practical, energy-efficient, and visually appealing solution for improving indoor comfort and reducing cooling costs.

Window awnings

Why Use Window Awnings for Cooling

Window awnings are a practical and effective solution for cooling homes and buildings, offering a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. With increasing energy costs and a growing emphasis on sustainable living, reducing heat gain through passive cooling methods like window awnings has become essential. Awnings provide shade and prevent direct sunlight from penetrating windows, significantly lowering indoor temperatures and easing the burden on air conditioning systems.

How Window Awnings Provide Cooling

Window awnings work by blocking direct sunlight from hitting windows, especially during peak sun hours. By extending over windows, awnings create a shaded area that reduces the amount of solar radiation entering the building. This shading effect can be efficient on south and west-facing windows that receive the most sunlight. Modern awnings are available in fixed or retractable designs, allowing for flexibility in usage. Adjust retractable awnings to provide shade when needed and retract to enable sunlight during cooler periods, optimizing cooling and heating benefits throughout the year. Additionally, awnings made from reflective materials can further enhance their ability to deflect heat away from the building.

Advantages of Using Window Awnings for Cooling

Using window awnings for cooling offers several advantages. Environmentally, they contribute to energy savings by reducing the reliance on air conditioning, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, this translates to significant savings on energy bills, making awnings a cost-effective investment. Awnings also protect windows and indoor furnishings from UV damage and glare, prolonging the life of furniture and enhancing indoor comfort. Moreover, they add architectural interest and curb appeal to buildings, available in various styles, colors, and materials to complement any exterior design. Overall, window awnings provide an efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable solution for improving indoor comfort and energy efficiency.

Cooling Stations

Why Use Cooling Stations for Cooling

Cooling stations are essential for relief during extreme heat events, particularly for vulnerable populations who may not have adequate air conditioning. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heat waves, the need for accessible and reliable cooling solutions becomes more critical. Cooling stations help mitigate the health risks associated with high temperatures, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, by offering safe, chilled environments where individuals can escape the heat.

How Cooling Stations Provide Cooling

Authorities typically set up cooling stations in public buildings such as libraries, community centers, churches, and schools. These facilities offer air-conditioned, comfortable seating and often provide water and other amenities to help individuals stay hydrated and cool. Some cooling stations may also offer additional services, such as health screenings and information on heat safety. During extreme heat events, local governments and community organizations coordinate to open and publicize these stations, ensuring that residents know their availability and location. The stations operate during the hottest parts of the day and sometimes extend their hours into the evening to provide continuous relief.

Advantages of Using Cooling Stations for Cooling

Cooling stations offer numerous advantages in protecting public health and enhancing community resilience. They provide immediate, life-saving relief for those without access to air conditioning, reducing the incidence of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Economically, they help prevent the strain on healthcare systems by decreasing the number of emergency room visits and hospital admissions due to heat-related conditions. Additionally, cooling stations foster community engagement and support by bringing people together in a shared space, often providing opportunities for social interaction and assistance from local services. Cooling stations are crucial to public health strategies during heat waves, offering accessible, effective, and community-centered solutions for extreme heat.

Whole House Fans

Why Use Whole House Fans for Cooling

Whole house fans are an energy-efficient and cost-effective method for cooling homes, especially in climates with significant temperature drops during the night. As energy costs rise and environmental concerns grow, finding sustainable alternatives to traditional air conditioning is increasingly essential. Whole house fans provide a natural ventilation solution that can drastically reduce indoor temperatures and improve air quality without the high energy consumption associated with air conditioners.

How Whole House Fans Provide Cooling

Whole house fans pull cooler outside air through open windows and expel hot indoor air through the attic vents. This process creates a flow of air that quickly cools down the entire house. You typically install the fan in the attic and turn it on during the cooler parts of the day or night when outdoor temperatures drop. Opening windows in the desired rooms draws in cooler air, replacing hot air that rises and vents through the attic. This method not only cools the air inside but also helps remove built-up heat from walls, ceilings, and floors, enhancing overall comfort. Remember that whole house fans introduce an opening in your envelope, so choosing one that self-insulates is essential.

Advantages of Using Whole House Fans for Cooling

Using whole-house fans for cooling offers several significant advantages. Environmentally, they consume much less electricity than traditional air conditioning systems, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. The improved ventilation also enhances indoor air quality by reducing indoor pollutants and moisture, preventing mold growth, and providing a fresher living environment. Economically, the lower operating costs and reduced reliance on air conditioning make whole-house fans a cost-effective investment. Additionally, they are relatively easy to install and maintain, providing a simple yet effective solution for homeowners seeking to improve their home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

Ceiling fans

Why Use Ceiling Fans for Cooling

Ceiling fans are a time-tested and efficient way to enhance indoor comfort by providing comforting cooling. They are treasured in warm climates and during the summer, where keeping homes cool without relying heavily on air conditioning is economically and environmentally friendly. Circulating air and creating a wind-chill effect, ceiling fans help maintain a comfortable indoor environment, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial settings.

How Ceiling Fans Provide Cooling

Ceiling fans create airflow that enhances sweat’s evaporation from the skin, cooling the body through a wind-chill effect. In the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise, pushing air down and creating a breeze that makes the room feel chilled. This air movement allows occupants to set the thermostat higher without sacrificing comfort, as the perceived temperature can be significantly lower than the actual room temperature. Modern ceiling fans often come with multiple speed settings and remote controls, allowing users to adjust the airflow to their specific needs.

Advantages of Using Ceiling Fans for Cooling

Ceiling fans used for cooling offer numerous advantages. Environmentally, they consume far less energy than air conditioning units, resulting in lower electricity bills and reduced carbon emissions. This reduction makes them an eco-friendly choice for maintaining indoor comfort. Economically, the initial investment and operational costs of ceiling fans are relatively low, and their ability to complement existing HVAC systems can lead to significant energy savings. Additionally, ceiling fans enhance air circulation, which can help reduce humidity levels and improve indoor air quality. Their aesthetic versatility also adds a decorative element to rooms, making them a practical and stylish addition to any space.

Evaporative Cooling

Why Use Evaporative Cooling for Cooling

Evaporative cooling is an energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional air conditioning, especially for dry, arid climates. As energy consumption and environmental sustainability concerns grow, finding cooling methods that reduce electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions becomes increasingly important. Evaporative coolers offer a natural way to cool indoor spaces by harnessing the process of evaporation, which can significantly lower temperatures while using less energy than conventional air conditioning systems.

How Evaporative Cooling Provides Cooling

Evaporative coolers draw warm outside air through water-saturated pads, where the air is cooled as it passes over the wet surfaces. The heat from the air causes the water to evaporate, reducing the air temperature and increasing humidity. A fan circulates this cooler, moist air into the indoor spaces, pushing out the hot, stale air through windows or vents. This continuous flow of air helps to maintain a comfortable indoor environment, leveraging the natural cooling properties of evaporation. Because evaporative coolers rely on this simple, natural process, they consume much less energy than traditional air conditioners, which use compressors and refrigerants.

Pros and Cons of Using Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative cooling offers significant benefits, including energy efficiency, lower electricity usage, reduced environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness, with lower installation and maintenance costs than traditional air conditioning. These systems also improve air quality by circulating fresh, filtered air and adding moisture to dry environments. However, they have drawbacks, such as increasing indoor humidity, which can be problematic in humid climates, reduced effectiveness in high humidity, regular maintenance requirements to prevent mold, and a continuous need for water, which can be a concern in areas with water scarcity.

Window Air Source Heat Pumps

Why Use Window-Mounted Air Source Heat Pumps for Cooling

Window-mounted air source heat pumps are a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for cooling homes, particularly for those looking to improve their energy efficiency without the high upfront costs of installing a central system. With increasing energy costs and growing environmental concerns, finding sustainable ways to cool living spaces is crucial. These units offer a practical and accessible option, providing heating and cooling capabilities making them versatile for year-round use.

How Window-Mounted Air Source Heat Pumps Provide Cooling

Window-mounted air source heat pumps operate by transferring heat rather than generating it. During the cooling mode, the unit extracts heat from the indoor air and expels it outside, using a refrigerant cycle similar to traditional air conditioners. Manufacturers design these units to fit into standard window openings, allowing easy installation without extensive home modifications. They typically run on standard 120v outlets, making them convenient for most households. By reversing the cycle, they can also provide heating in cooler months, making them a dual-purpose solution for climate control.

Advantages of Using Window-Mounted Air Source Heat Pumps for Cooling

The use of window-mounted air source heat pumps offers several advantages. Firstly, they are energy-efficient, using significantly less electricity than traditional electric heaters and standard air conditioners, leading to lower energy bills. Secondly, their relatively low upfront cost and ease of installation make them attractive for homeowners looking to improve their climate control without significant financial investment. Additionally, these units are environmentally friendly, as they reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy and more efficient refrigerants. Their dual heating and cooling capabilities provide year-round comfort, adding to their overall value and practicality.

Summary

Summary and Call to Action: Preparing for Increasing Heatwaves

As climate science predicts a rise in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, it is crucial to recognize and address the vulnerabilities in our systems that can lead to cascading failures during such extreme weather events. The Chicago Heatwave of 1995 is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of unpreparedness on urban environments. To mitigate these risks and enhance resilience, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach incorporating natural, technological, and community-based solutions.

Strategies to Alleviate Failures During Heatwaves

Deciduous Shade Trees: Planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of buildings can provide natural cooling through shading in summer and allow sunlight to warm interiors in winter, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

Window Shades: Installing automated or manually adjustable window shades can effectively block out intense sunlight during peak hours, helping to maintain cooler indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.

Window Coatings: Applying reflective or Low-E window coatings can significantly decrease heat gain by reflecting solar radiation and insulating windows, improving overall energy efficiency.

Window Awnings: Utilizing window awnings, particularly retractable ones, can offer flexible shading solutions that block direct sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures, enhancing comfort and reducing air conditioning usage.

Cooling Stations: Establishing and promoting community cooling stations in public buildings like libraries and community centers can provide critical relief for vulnerable populations during extreme heat events, preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Whole House Fans: Installing whole house fans can promote natural ventilation by drawing in cooler evening air and expelling hot indoor air, reducing the reliance on air conditioning and improving indoor air quality.

Ceiling Fans: Using ceiling fans to circulate air can create a wind-chill effect, making indoor environments feel cooler and allowing for higher thermostat settings, leading to significant energy savings.

Evaporative Cooling: In dry climates, evaporative coolers can provide an energy-efficient cooling alternative by leveraging natural evaporation to lower indoor temperatures. However, it would help if you managed increased humidity.

Window Air Source Heat Pumps: Implementing window-mounted air source heat pumps offers an efficient and versatile solution for heating and cooling, providing year-round climate control with lower energy demands and minimal installation costs.

Call to Action

As we face the growing challenge of more frequent and intense heat waves, we must take proactive measures to safeguard our communities. By integrating these diverse cooling strategies, we can enhance our resilience to extreme heat, protect vulnerable populations, and reduce the strain on our infrastructure and emergency services. Governments, community leaders, and individuals must collaborate to implement these solutions, promote awareness, and ensure our cities are prepared to withstand the increasing heat. Investing in these measures today will improve our current quality of life and ensure a safer, more sustainable future for generations to come. Let’s take action now to create cooler, healthier, and more resilient communities.

And, remember:

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” ~ Teddy Roosevelt

See you in August!