One of the things that every city can do to reduce all those dark roofs, which absorb heat and radiate it back out to the atmosphere (not inside your house) is increase our urban roofs light reflecting qualities. We could put light-colored shingles on our roofs. Or, we can plant plants.
Or, we place solar panels and lessen heat absorption and create electricity. With new designs of existing structures, we could change our ways and work with Nature, instead of against it.
Green Roofs are Starting To Sprout in American Cities by Bruce Stutz: Yale Environment 360 "Long a proven technology in Europe, green roofs are becoming increasingly common in U.S. cities, with major initiatives in Chicago, Portland, and Washington, D.C. While initially more expensive than standard coverings, green roofs offer some major environmental — and economic — benefits. " (December 2, 2010) Yale Environment 360: Opinion, Analysis, Reporting & Debate