Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban heat islands. Cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas because concrete and asphalt absorb and re-radiate heat. One surprising factor is that tall buildings can block wind, reducing natural cooling. However, a key solution is increasing green spaces, like parks and green roofs, which lower temperatures through evapotranspiration. A study in Melbourne found that adding just 10% more tree cover could reduce peak summer temperatures by up to 2 degrees Celsius. But this requires careful planning to ensure water availability for irrigation.