U.S. Energy Secretary calls for White Room

Glad to oblige:


Oh, he said White Roof. Never mind.

Professor Steven Chu, the US Energy Secretary, said the unusual proposal would mean homes in hot countries would save energy and money on air conditioning by deflecting the sun's rays.

More pale surfaces could also slow global warming by reflecting heat into space rather than allowing it to be absorbed by dark surfaces where it is trapped by greenhouse gases and increases temperatures.

Actually, having a white roof makes a lot of sense if you're trying to reflect solar energy rather than absorb it. Having a black roof makes more sense in cold climates when you're trying to hold on to as much heat as possible. It's actually a pretty good idea, as long as Chu doesn't get caught up in the Obama Administration's fetish for micro-management and start offering tax credits for Nevada homeowners to repaint their roofs.