Today in our environmental science lecture, we will discuss the impact of urban green spaces on local climate. Recent studies show that parks can reduce surrounding temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. However, the effect depends on several factors, including the size of the green area and the type of vegetation. For example, large trees with dense canopies provide more shade, while grassy areas mainly cool through evaporation. Interestingly, a 2019 study in Melbourne found that a network of small parks, rather than one large park, was more effective in lowering temperatures across the city, because it distributed cool air more evenly. This finding has influenced urban planning policies in several countries.