雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'green infrastructure' has gained significant traction in urban planning as a means to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Unlike traditional gray infrastructure, which relies on concrete and pipes, green infrastructure integrates natural systems such as parks, green roofs, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater, reduce urban heat islands, and enhance biodiversity. A key advantage is its multifunctionality: a single green space can simultaneously provide flood control, recreational opportunities, and carbon sequestration. However, critics argue that the benefits are often overstated, particularly in dense cities where land scarcity limits the scale of implementation. Moreover, maintenance costs and long-term performance under extreme weather events remain uncertain. Despite these challenges, proponents suggest that adaptive management and community engagement can improve resilience. Ultimately, the effectiveness of green infrastructure depends not only on technical design but also on policy support and public acceptance, making it a socio-technical endeavor rather than a purely engineering solution.