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 re-emit heat more than natural landscapes. Additionally, waste heat from vehicles and air conditioners adds to the effect. However, one surprising factor is the lack of vegetation, which normally provides cooling through shade and evapotranspiration. A recent study in Melbourne found that increasing tree coverage by just 10% could reduce peak summer temperatures by up to 2.5 degrees Celsius. This highlights the importance of urban planning in mitigating climate impacts.