In 2023, an estimated 691 million people were living on less than $2.15 a day, the international extreme poverty line. As global temperatures continue to rise, worsening living conditions across the world, it is the poorest and most vulnerable populations who face the harshest consequences.
A recent IMF study analysing subnational data across 134 countries found that a 1°C rise in temperature leads to a 9.1% increase in extreme poverty and a 0.8% rise in inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient. Another study estimates that climate change could push 32 to 132 million people into poverty by 2030, depending on future scenarios.
Ironically, low-income countries and communities contribute the least to global emissions, yet bear a disproportionate share of climate impacts. A comparison between national emission levels and extreme poverty rates clearly shows the disconnect between those responsible for climate change and those who suffer the most from it.
While affluent populations can afford temporary relief from rising temperatures, low-income communities require structural and affordable solutions. In this context, it becomes essential to adopt interventions that address both thermal comfort and affordability. A cool roof coating applied on rooftops is one such solution, delivering comfort while remaining economically accessible.
One of the most immediate advantages of cool roof coatings is energy savings. Lower-income households typically spend a higher share of their income on electricity, especially during extreme summers when cooling becomes unavoidable. This places direct pressure on household consumption, particularly in countries like India.
Studies show that homes with cool roofs can reduce cooling costs by 20% or more. For families already struggling financially, these savings can be redirected toward food, healthcare, and education, creating a meaningful improvement in quality of life.
The health benefits of reduced heat exposure are equally significant. Urban heat islands—created by asphalt, concrete, and dense construction—trap heat and amplify temperature extremes. Elevated temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, respiratory complications, and mortality, especially among children and the elderly.
According to The Lancet, India alone lost nearly 166 billion work hours in 2023 due to heat-related health issues. By lowering surface and indoor temperatures, cool roofs help reduce these risks. Cooler indoor environments also improve comfort, enabling children to study better and families to live with dignity, even in modest housing conditions.
Cool roofs further contribute to community resilience in the face of climate change. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, neighbourhoods that adopt cool roofing strategies are better equipped to cope with thermal stress. This is particularly critical in low-income areas with limited access to adaptive infrastructure.
Community-level adoption also strengthens social cohesion. Collective initiatives around cool roofs foster shared responsibility and local pride. Programs that involve residents in installation and maintenance can generate employment opportunities, build practical skills, and stimulate local economies, enhancing resilience from within.
A strong example is the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, which mandates cool roof coatings for selected residential and workplace buildings, demonstrating how policy-backed interventions can protect vulnerable populations at scale.
LuminX is committed to making cooling affordable and inclusive. With inclusivity at its core, LuminX serves clients across diverse economic backgrounds and collaborates with NGOs, government bodies, and civil society organisations to ensure last-mile reach.
The vision behind LuminX Cool Roof solutions is to challenge the notion that cooling is an elitist privilege. By offering a cost-effective, scalable solution, LuminX works to ensure that thermal comfort is accessible even to those constrained by financial limitations.
LuminX Cool Roof paints represent a meaningful opportunity to improve living conditions in low-income communities. Through energy savings, better health outcomes, and stronger community resilience, LuminX aims to create long-term social impact. Addressing barriers such as upfront cost and lack of awareness remains essential, but by embedding cool roofs within broader urban sustainability efforts, we can move closer to a more equitable and livable future for all.