Comprensión auditiva TOEFL

🎧 Transcripción de audio

Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we’re discussing urban heat islands. As you know, cities are often warmer than surrounding rural areas. This happens because concrete and asphalt absorb and re-emit heat, while vegetation cools the air through evaporation. One common solution is planting more trees. But trees alone aren’t enough. A study in Phoenix, Arizona, found that even with extensive tree planting, nighttime temperatures remained high because the heat stored in buildings and roads during the day is released slowly at night. So, researchers are now looking at reflective roofing materials. These roofs, often white or light-colored, reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. In simulations, white roofs reduced peak daytime temperatures by up to 2 degrees Celsius. However, their effect is less at night. Another approach is green roofs, which have plants on top. Green roofs provide insulation and also cool the air through evapotranspiration. But they’re more expensive to install and maintain. So, a combination of strategies, including reflective pavements and urban planning, may be necessary.