Today, in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban heat islands. Cities are often warmer than surrounding rural areas due to concrete and asphalt absorbing heat. One surprising factor is the role of green spaces. Trees and parks can reduce local temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius through shade and evapotranspiration. However, the placement of these green areas is crucial. For example, a study in Melbourne found that parks located near industrial zones have less cooling effect because of heat trapped by buildings. Therefore, city planners should prioritize creating interconnected green corridors rather than isolated parks to maximize cooling benefits.