雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today, in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban heat islands. This phenomenon occurs when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. One key factor is the replacement of natural surfaces with concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat. Another contributor is the lack of vegetation, as trees provide shade and release moisture through transpiration. Interestingly, the temperature difference is most pronounced at night, when rural areas cool down faster than urban centers. To mitigate this effect, some cities are implementing green roofs and increasing park spaces. However, these solutions require careful planning and investment.