Saudi Arabia has started experimenting with a new cooling method for roads to cope with the kingdom's summer temperatures.
The experiment involves the use of materials that can absorb smaller amounts of solar radiation by reflecting the sun's rays.
Roads across the Middle East retain heat during the hot summer days when the mercury can reach 50ºC or more.
This heat is then released at night making temperatures hotter. This phenomenon is called ‘heat island' that leads to increased energy consumption and air pollution, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Heat islands are urbanised areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas.
Structures such as buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes such as forests and water bodies.
The degree of surface temperature of cool pavements is lower than that of traditional pavements.
The 'Cooling Asphalt Surfaces' initiative by the General Authority for Roads and Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing will aim to reduce the temperature in neighbourhoods and residential areas.
This technology will also contribute to providing a more comfortable environment in waiting areas for public transportation and areas where people assemble, said SPA.
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What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
