Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing urban green spaces. A recent study in Melbourne found that increasing tree canopy coverage by just 10% can reduce local temperatures by up to 2.5 degrees Celsius during summer heatwaves. However, the study also noted that the placement of trees matters more than the total number. Trees planted along streets and near buildings provide the most significant cooling effect, while those in large parks have less impact on surrounding residential areas. Additionally, the researchers emphasized that maintenance costs, such as watering and pruning, are often underestimated by city planners.