雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing the impact of urban development on local wildlife. One key finding is that green roofs, which are covered with vegetation, can significantly reduce the heat island effect in cities. However, their effectiveness depends on the types of plants used. Native species, for example, require less water and provide better habitats for insects. In a recent study, researchers compared two buildings in Manchester: one with a green roof of sedum, a common succulent, and another with a mix of wildflowers. They found that the wildflower roof attracted three times more bee species. But the sedum roof was more effective at cooling the building, lowering the internal temperature by up to 2 degrees Celsius. So, while wildflowers support biodiversity, sedum is better for energy efficiency.