Nghe TOEFL

🎧 Bản ghi âm

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 re-emit heat more than natural landscapes do. Additionally, waste heat from vehicles and buildings contributes to the effect. One major consequence is increased energy consumption, as people use more air conditioning during hot days. This, in turn, leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions, creating a feedback loop. To mitigate this, cities have implemented strategies such as planting trees, creating green roofs, and using reflective materials on pavements. However, these solutions require careful planning and investment. For instance, while green roofs are effective, they are expensive to install and maintain. Reflective pavements are cheaper but may not be suitable for all climates. So, the choice of mitigation strategy often depends on local conditions and budgets.