雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'green infrastructure' has gained significant traction in urban planning, referring to a network of natural and semi-natural systems that provide ecosystem services, such as stormwater management, air purification, and climate regulation. Unlike traditional gray infrastructure, which relies on concrete and pipes, green infrastructure integrates vegetation, soils, and natural processes into city design. Studies indicate that well-implemented green roofs, permeable pavements, and urban forests can reduce flood risks by up to 30% and lower ambient temperatures in heat islands. However, its effectiveness depends on spatial planning and maintenance; poorly designed systems may fail to deliver expected benefits. Thus, policymakers must prioritize adaptive management strategies to optimize long-term resilience.