A recently released paper by the Centre for Science and Environment outlines how heat-induced climate change disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable sections of society: children, the elderly, and the poor. It also highlights how inaction could lead to a dystopian future, with children being the most affected. The need to take adequate measures is urgent; however, the main challenges lie in sustainability, scalability, and adoption of existing technologies.
Children spend the majority of their time either at home or in school. Schools are, in fact, considered a second home for them. A 2019 report from the India Cooling Action Plan indicates that only 10% of Indian households own air conditioners, with penetration in public spaces like schools being even lower due to cost and infrastructure constraints. Most schools, except international and elite private ones, function without cooling facilities. Government schools, where the majority of children study, are often in poor condition, with some lacking even proper ventilation, let alone air conditioning. In a tropical country like India, cooling has become an elitist concept, with cost barriers ensuring that only the privileged can afford it. In contrast, almost 96% of schools in Japan are equipped with air conditioning. The Japanese treat this facility as a non-negotiable necessity for the health of their children.
Matt Santamouris, a distinguished professor at the University of New South Wales, Australia, has studied the harmful effects of heat on children. His research shows that high temperatures impair children’s cognitive abilities and negatively affect learning outcomes. Perspiration and dehydration, exacerbated by rising temperatures, further impact concentration. These effects are more pronounced in children under 10 years old. Rising heat also increases the frequency of illnesses, keeping children out of school for longer periods. The situation is particularly severe in urban areas, where roofs occupy nearly 20% of total concrete space, intensifying the urban heat island effect. Without a national mandate or thermal comfort standards for schools, air conditioning remains a luxury, leaving most children exposed to thermal stress.
In such a scenario, we must rely on passive cooling techniques to bring comfort to children at home and in schools. LuminX offers an affordable solution to this growing problem. With a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), LuminX can reduce roof surface temperatures by 15–20 degrees, creating cooler indoor environments and reducing dependence on air conditioners.
Energy efficiency is another critical benefit. Air conditioning accounts for a major share of energy consumption, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and straining power grids during heatwaves. By lowering indoor temperatures, LuminX reduces the need for mechanical cooling, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. For low-income households, this translates into financial savings that can be redirected to education and health.
Additionally, LuminX improves urban air quality by lowering fossil fuel-based energy demand, which disproportionately affects children by worsening conditions like asthma and arterial fibrosis. By creating healthier living spaces, LuminX supports the physical and cognitive development of young people, enabling them to thrive in a warming world.
Implementing LuminX cool roofs also fosters community resilience. Schools, community centers, and homes coated with LuminX become cooler, safer spaces during extreme heat events. This is particularly beneficial for low-income households, ensuring equity and access to safe, comfortable environments for all children.
In conclusion, LuminX offers a practical and scalable solution to heat-proof the future of our children. For parents, policymakers, and homeowners, investing in LuminX is a proactive step toward building a cooler, healthier, and more sustainable world for the next generation. We must remember that we have not only inherited this world from our forefathers but also borrowed it from our children.