雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban heat islands. As cities grow, they replace natural surfaces with concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat. This effect is strongest at night, when these materials release stored heat slowly. One surprising finding is that parks and green spaces can reduce local temperatures by up to five degrees Celsius. However, the cooling effect diminishes if the park is too small or surrounded by tall buildings. So, urban planners should focus on creating connected green corridors rather than isolated patches. Also, white or reflective roofs on buildings have been shown to lower indoor temperatures significantly, reducing air conditioning needs.