Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss the impact of urban green spaces. Recent studies show that parks in cities can reduce local temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. This cooling effect is mainly due to shade from trees and evapotranspiration from plants. However, the effectiveness depends on the size and design of the green area. For example, a large central park with dense tree coverage has a more significant cooling impact than several small scattered gardens. Additionally, green roofs and vertical gardens on buildings can also contribute, but they require more maintenance and water. Therefore, urban planners should prioritize creating larger, interconnected green spaces to maximize environmental benefits.