雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Professor: Today we're discussing the impact of urbanization on local ecosystems. One key point is that while cities cover only about 3% of Earth's land surface, they consume over 75% of global energy and produce most carbon emissions. However, urban green spaces, such as parks and rooftop gardens, can mitigate some negative effects. For example, a study in Melbourne found that increasing tree canopy by 20% could reduce local temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius. Additionally, these green areas support biodiversity by providing habitats for birds and insects, though the variety of species is often lower than in rural areas. So, urban planning must balance development with conservation.