Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing urban green spaces. Recent studies show that parks and community gardens in cities can significantly reduce the urban heat island effect. For example, a well-designed park with mature trees can lower local temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius during summer afternoons. Additionally, these areas improve air quality by absorbing pollutants like carbon dioxide and particulate matter. However, the benefits depend on the size and connectivity of the green spaces. Small, isolated gardens have limited impact, whereas networks of parks, linked by tree-lined streets, create a more substantial cooling effect. This is why city planners are now prioritizing green corridors over individual parks.