With climate change fueling higher temperatures, 2020 is essentially tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record. While fighting COVID-19, communities across India experienced sweltering heat last summer, temperatures reaching 47.5ºC in some parts of the country. In addition to raising temperatures, climate change and rising income levels increase the demand for cooling—leading to a rise in greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting the vulnerable from extreme heat in a severely climate affected country is critical. Cool roofs are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to fight the heat—as shown by community-led initiatives in four cities in India.