Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss 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 occurs because trees provide shade and release moisture through transpiration. Additionally, green areas improve air quality by absorbing pollutants like nitrogen dioxide. However, the size and distribution of parks matter. A single large park is less effective than several smaller ones spread across the city, as they create cooler corridors. For example, in Melbourne, a network of small gardens lowered afternoon temperatures by 2 degrees more than one central park. So, city planners should prioritize connectivity over sheer size.