雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're continuing our discussion on urban planning. One challenge cities face is the heat island effect, where built-up areas become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. To combat this, some cities are implementing green roofs, which involve planting vegetation on building tops. These roofs not only reduce temperatures but also manage stormwater runoff and improve air quality. However, they require substantial initial investment and regular maintenance. Another approach is increasing tree canopy along streets, which provides shade and cools the air through evapotranspiration. Interestingly, a recent study in Melbourne found that a combination of green roofs and street trees was more effective than either measure alone, reducing peak temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius. So, what's the key takeaway?