Today in our environmental science lecture, we will discuss the impact of urban green spaces on local climate. Recent studies show that parks and gardens can reduce surrounding temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. This cooling effect is mainly due to shade provided by trees and the process of evapotranspiration, where plants release water vapor. However, the benefits are not uniform; larger, interconnected green areas are more effective than small, isolated ones. Additionally, incorporating green roofs and vertical gardens can further enhance cooling, especially in densely built city centers where ground space is limited.