雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

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 retain heat. However, one effective mitigation strategy is increasing green spaces, such as parks and rooftop gardens. These areas provide shade and release moisture through evapotranspiration, which cools the air. A study in Melbourne found that adding just 10% more tree cover could reduce peak summer temperatures by up to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Additionally, using reflective materials on buildings and roads can help, but they are less effective than vegetation. So, while both methods are useful, green infrastructure offers the most significant cooling benefit.