Today, in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban heat islands. A key factor is the replacement of natural surfaces with concrete and asphalt, which absorb and re-radiate heat. Interestingly, studies show that parks and green roofs can reduce local temperatures by up to 2 degrees Celsius. However, the most effective mitigation strategy is increasing tree canopy coverage, as trees provide shade and release moisture. For example, in Melbourne, a city-wide tree-planting program lowered peak summer temperatures by 3 degrees in some suburbs. So, while reflective materials help, vegetation remains the primary solution.