Traditional and culturally rooted practices around the world offer alternative ways to manage extreme heat, providing passive cooling without relying heavily on energy-intensive air conditioning. Experts and community leaders are increasingly advocating for such approaches in the face of rising global temperatures and demand for electricity.

One notable initiative comes from the Japan Water Forum, which promotes Uchimizu, the practice of sprinkling water on streets and pavements to lower temperatures. Shigenori Asai, the forum’s director, explains that when many neighbors participate by wetting the ground, the combined effect can create a noticeable cooling breeze. The forum has designated August 1 as a global Uchimizu Day to encourage wider adoption.

In some parts of India, traditional evaporative cooling methods have been used for centuries. People weave screens from the spongy roots of a grass known as velvetier, a sorghum-related plant. These wet screens are hung over windows and doors oriented toward the wind, cooling incoming air by evaporation. This technique proves particularly effective in dry climates and has inspired modern adaptations like indirect evaporative cooling in data centers. Liza Raju Subhadra, an architect from Kerala specializing in alternative materials, highlights the benefits of passive cooling, noting that increased air-conditioning use not only strains energy resources but also raises outdoor temperatures for neighbors.

Clothing traditions in hot arid regions display similar ingenuity. In the Middle East and North Africa, wearing loose black robes has long been common, and scientific research supports its cooling effect. A 1980 study published in Nature found that black robes absorb heat, warming the air inside the garment. Because the heated air rises and escapes from the top, it draws cooler air in from below, creating a natural ventilation cycle that prevents heat from reaching the skin.

In humid environments, such as the American South, lightweight fabrics like linen and seersucker are preferred. Seersucker’s puckered texture holds the fabric away from the skin, promoting airflow and reducing discomfort during hot weather.

Dietary habits also influence the body’s response to heat. Though counterintuitive, consuming spicy foods can induce a cooling effect. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, activates receptors that signal the brain to trigger sweating and vasodilation, facilitating rapid cooling through evaporation. This explains why some of the hottest regions, including India, Thailand, and Mexico, have spicy culinary traditions. Conversely, sugary cold drinks may impair the body’s sweating response and generate internal heat during digestion. In certain Asian cultures, slightly chilled, unsweetened teas made from ingredients like barley are consumed instead, promoting hydration and improved blood flow near the skin. Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, are generally discouraged when trying to stay cool since alcohol can cause dehydration and hinder temperature regulation.

Cultural work habits also play a role in coping with heat. The traditional midday break, or siesta, common in Southern European countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, allows people to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. However, this practice has declined in recent years. Some experts argue that reviving such rest periods could reduce heat-related health risks. In response to increasingly severe summer heat waves, officials in Germany and other northern European countries have begun advocating for similar midday pauses to protect public health.

As climate change continues to drive global temperatures upward, these age-old methods offer valuable, energy-efficient strategies for heat management, complementing modern technologies and potentially easing the demand on electrical grids worldwide.