Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban green spaces. A recent study in Melbourne found that adding parks and trees to city centers can reduce local temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. This cooling effect occurs because plants release moisture through transpiration, which lowers the surrounding air temperature. Interestingly, the study also noted that the benefits are most significant in densely built areas with limited existing vegetation. However, researchers emphasized that green spaces alone cannot solve climate change; they must be combined with reduced carbon emissions. For city planners, the key takeaway is to prioritize small, scattered gardens over a single large park, as they provide more equitable access for residents across the city.