Today, in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban heat islands. This phenomenon occurs when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, primarily due to human activities and modified surfaces. For example, concrete and asphalt absorb and re-emit heat more than vegetation. A key factor is the lack of trees and green spaces, which naturally cool the air through shade and evapotranspiration. Interestingly, studies show that adding just 10% more green cover can reduce peak summer temperatures by up to 2 degrees Celsius. However, this effect varies with city layout and climate. In dry regions, the cooling is more pronounced compared to humid areas.