Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss the impact of urban green spaces. A recent study in Melbourne found that adding more parks and community gardens can reduce local temperatures by up to 3 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. Interestingly, the effect is strongest within 200 meters of the greenery. However, researchers noted that not all plants are equally effective. Native trees with broad canopies provide the most shade, while grass areas contribute less to cooling. The study also highlighted a surprising benefit: neighborhoods with more green spaces reported lower levels of stress, even when controlling for income and population density. So, while the initial focus was on temperature, the social advantages are equally significant.