TOEFLリスニング

🎧 リスニング原文

Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we’re going to talk about a surprising factor in urban climate: the color of rooftops. You might think that trees and parks are the main ways to cool a city, but recent studies suggest that white or reflective roofs can be just as effective, if not more so, in reducing the urban heat island effect. Dark roofs absorb sunlight and convert it into heat, raising the temperature both inside buildings and in the surrounding air. By painting roofs white or using reflective materials, we can bounce sunlight back into space. This not only lowers the need for air conditioning, which saves energy, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Some cities, like Los Angeles, have already mandated cool roofs on new buildings. However, there are challenges. In colder climates, reflective roofs can increase heating costs during winter because they prevent the natural absorption of sunlight. So, while cool roofs are a promising tool, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to consider the local climate and the building's design.