Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban green spaces. A recent study in Manchester found that adding parks and community gardens can reduce local temperatures by up to 2 degrees Celsius during summer heatwaves. However, the researchers noted that the cooling effect is strongest within 50 meters of the green area. They also discovered that trees are more effective than grass alone, because they provide shade and release moisture through their leaves. Interestingly, the study suggested that small, scattered green spaces work better than one large park for reaching more residents. This is because people are more likely to use a park within a 10-minute walk from their home. So, for city planners, the key is not just creating green areas, but ensuring they are evenly distributed across neighborhoods.