Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing urban green spaces. A recent study in Melbourne found that adding more parks and community gardens to city centers can reduce local temperatures by up to 3 degrees Celsius during summer heatwaves. Interestingly, the study also showed that these green areas improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering pollutants. However, researchers noted that the benefits are most significant when green spaces are connected, like forming a network of corridors, rather than isolated pockets. For example, a single small park might cool only its immediate surroundings, but a series of linked parks can create a 'cool breeze corridor' that affects the whole district. This finding has prompted city planners to prioritize interconnected designs in new developments.