TOEFL Listening

🎧 Listening Transcript

Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about urban heat islands. As you know, cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas. This is due to several factors. First, concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night. Second, buildings block wind, reducing natural cooling. Third, there's less vegetation, which means less shade and less evapotranspiration—the process where plants release water vapor, which cools the air. Interestingly, urban heat islands can have significant impacts. They increase energy demand for air conditioning, which leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions. They also affect human health, especially during heat waves. But there are solutions. Planting more trees, creating green roofs, and using reflective materials on buildings can reduce the effect. Some cities have even painted roads with reflective coatings. So, while the problem is serious, there are practical steps we can take.