TOEFLリスニング

🎧 リスニング原文

Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about the concept of 'urban heat islands' and how cities might mitigate their effects. As you know, cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas due to the abundance of concrete and asphalt, which absorb and re-radiate heat. This phenomenon has significant implications for energy consumption and public health. One common solution is increasing green spaces, such as parks and green roofs. Trees and vegetation provide shade and release moisture through evapotranspiration, which cools the air. However, recent studies suggest that the effectiveness of green spaces depends on their size and distribution. Small, isolated green areas may have minimal impact, while large, connected networks can create a significant cooling effect. Another emerging approach is the use of cool pavements, which reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. These pavements can lower surface temperatures, but their long-term durability and cost remain concerns. Additionally, some cities are experimenting with smart urban design, such as orienting buildings to maximize wind flow. Now, let's consider a hypothetical example: a dense urban district where planners are deciding between installing a few large parks versus many small gardens. Which strategy would likely be more effective?