TOEFL Listening

🎧 Listening Transcript

Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about urban heat islands, a phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. This happens mainly because of the materials we use to build our cities. Concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night, whereas natural surfaces like soil and vegetation reflect more sunlight and cool down quicker. Also, cities generate their own heat from vehicles, air conditioners, and industrial processes. This extra heat can lead to higher energy consumption, increased air pollution, and even health risks during heat waves. One solution is increasing green spaces, like parks and green roofs, which can lower temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration. Another is using reflective materials for roofs and pavements. However, these solutions require significant investment and policy changes. So, what can individuals do? Well, planting trees, using public transportation, and even painting your roof white can help, but the biggest impact comes from city-wide planning.