Today in our environmental science lecture, we will discuss urban green spaces. Recent studies show that parks and community gardens can significantly reduce the urban heat island effect. For example, a city like Melbourne has implemented a strategy to increase tree canopy coverage by 40% by 2040. This not only lowers temperatures but also improves air quality and supports biodiversity. However, the main challenge is funding maintenance, as many local councils struggle to allocate budgets for ongoing care. Therefore, some experts suggest involving community volunteers in planting and watering activities, which has proven effective in several suburbs.