雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban green spaces. A recent study in Melbourne found that parks can reduce local temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. However, the key factor is tree canopy coverage, not just grass areas. The research showed that neighborhoods with more than 30% canopy cover experienced significantly cooler temperatures, while those with only grassy parks had minimal cooling effects. Interestingly, the study also noted that water features, like ponds, contributed to humidity but not much to temperature reduction. Therefore, city planners should prioritize planting native trees, which require less water and provide better shade, over maintaining large lawns.