Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss the impact of urban heat islands. A key point is that cities are often warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure. However, one surprising factor is the role of green spaces. Trees and parks can reduce local temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius through shading and evapotranspiration. But the effect depends on the size and distribution of these green areas. For instance, a single tree in a parking lot has minimal impact, whereas a network of connected parks can create a significant cooling corridor. Therefore, urban planners should prioritize creating interconnected green networks rather than isolated pockets of vegetation.