Nghe TOEFL

🎧 Bản ghi âm

Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing the concept of urban heat islands. 'Urban areas tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. This happens because concrete, asphalt, and buildings absorb and re-radiate solar energy more effectively than natural surfaces like soil and vegetation. Additionally, human activities, such as transportation and industrial processes, generate waste heat. The temperature difference is especially noticeable at night, when rural areas cool down quickly but urban structures release stored heat slowly. To mitigate this effect, cities have adopted strategies like planting trees, creating green roofs, and using reflective materials on buildings. These measures can reduce local temperatures, lower energy consumption for cooling, and improve air quality. However, implementation requires careful planning and investment. Some cities, like Los Angeles and Tokyo, have already seen positive results from such initiatives.'