As Europe Scientists struggles with heatwave, scientists find alternative to air conditioning, including advances in materials that passively cool buildings

As record-breaking heatwaves sweep across large areas of Europe and Asia, city planners and homeowners are searching for ways to stay cool. While air conditioning remains the go-to fix in nations like the US, Japan, and Australia, scientists warn that installing AC units in every home is an unsustainable trap. Researchers have now highlighted breakthroughs in passive cooling materials , including specialised paints, hydrogel films and radiative coatings, that can lower building temperatures without relying on electricity or overloading power grids.