Its cold in many parts of the country, which brings to mind just how nice islands tends to be to visit. Especially if you are not a skier. But certain islands are not appealing and can actually cause discomfort. They are called "heat islands."

You see, urban, largely concrete landscapes retain heat. For this reason, cities are often warmer than rural areas. This is global warming, but at a more local level.

NASA has studied these human generated heat clusters. We have known for a long time that excessive pavement causes flooding. Now, it turns out that all of this pavement and blacktop can actually alter our urban climate. The more development, the more surfaces throughout an entire community become hotter. In turn, ambient air temperature increases. It is this phenomenon that is called the "urban heat island," which according to NASA can be responsible for increases in city air temperatures.

Urban islands increase energy demand as well. The resulting higher temperatures increase the demand for cooling energy, which in turn increases demand for energy. As a result, energy costs may rise. Since electricity is often produced using coal, and since many coal plants are large air polluters, increases in energy use directly translate into potential increases in air pollution. All of this because of the colors of our roof tops, paving, and our failure to plant enough shade trees.

NASA has proposed some solutions to this heat island problem. White roofs are now being suggested, and are regarded as a better choice than black roofs. While white roofs may not last as long, energy savings may offset early replacement costs.

While many local governments already have shade tree ordinances, the focus on roof and pavement colors is relatively new. The NASA studies strongly suggest real benefit to developers, municipalities and the environment if these fixes are put into play.

Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago and Phoenix have thus far been studied. Sacramento already requires new parking lots to include enough trees to shade at least half of a parking lot after 15 years. And the City is planning the nation's first incentive for white roofs on both homes and commercial buildings.

Anyone who visits warm climates cannot help but note that people where light colored clothing, and take refuge under tree shading. American municipalities ought to do the same.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.