托福听力

🎧 听力原文

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 because materials like concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat from the sun, and then release it slowly at night. Also, human activities, such as driving cars and running air conditioners, generate additional heat. One major consequence is increased energy consumption for cooling, which leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions. But there are solutions. For instance, planting trees and creating green roofs can provide shade and cool the air through evapotranspiration. Another approach is using reflective materials on buildings and pavements to reduce heat absorption. Some cities have also implemented cool pavement programs, painting roads with lighter colors. While these strategies require initial investment, they can lower energy bills and improve public health by reducing heat-related illnesses. So, the key is to redesign urban spaces with climate in mind.