Introduction to eco-efficient materials for reducing cooling needs in buildings and construction

This introductory chapter starts by reviewing worrying warming patterns that have been recently worsened by positive-feedback vicious cycles. These patterns suggest that the rate of global warming will be faster than projected in the recent IPCC special report. The deep adaptation agenda is discussed. Some studies concerning the social impacts of heat waves, considered to be the most important and dangerous hazards related to the current climate emergency, combined with urban heat islands, are reviewed. An expanded outline of the book is also included.