Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban green spaces. A recent study in Melbourne found that parks can reduce local temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. Interestingly, the size of the park matters less than the density of tree cover. Researchers also noted that water features, like ponds, are less effective than trees for cooling. However, they warned that poorly maintained lawns can increase water consumption significantly. The key recommendation is to prioritize native trees, which require less irrigation and provide better shade for pedestrians.