Аудирование TOEFL

🎧 Транскрипт аудио

Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing urban heat islands. "Now, urban areas tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. This happens because materials like concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat from the sun during the day, then release it slowly at night. In contrast, rural areas with vegetation and soil cool down more quickly. But there are ways to mitigate this effect. One solution is increasing the albedo of surfaces, for example, by painting rooftops white or using reflective pavements. This reduces heat absorption. Another approach is increasing green spaces, such as parks and green roofs, which provide shade and release moisture through a process called evapotranspiration. This has a cooling effect. However, implementing these strategies can be costly, and some cities face budget constraints. Despite this, many cities are adopting these measures because they reduce energy consumption—for instance, by lowering the need for air conditioning—and they improve air quality. So, while the initial investment may be high, the long-term benefits often justify the expense."