Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban green spaces. A recent study in Melbourne found that adding parks and community gardens can reduce local temperatures by up to 3 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. However, the benefits depend on the size and connectivity of these spaces. Small, isolated gardens have minimal impact, while large, interconnected parks create cooling corridors. Interestingly, the study also noted that rooftop gardens, though small, contribute significantly to reducing energy consumption in adjacent buildings. The researchers recommend prioritizing investment in a few large parks over many tiny ones, as this yields greater overall cooling effect and biodiversity support.