Nghe TOEFL

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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 concrete, asphalt, and buildings absorb and re-emit heat from the sun more than natural landscapes like forests or fields. Also, human activities—such as driving cars, running air conditioners, and industrial processes—generate additional heat. Interestingly, the effect is most pronounced at night, when rural areas cool down quickly but cities retain heat in their structures. One solution is to increase green spaces, like parks and green roofs, because plants provide shade and release moisture through transpiration. Another approach is to use cooler paving materials that reflect more sunlight. However, implementing these changes can be costly, and some cities face budget constraints. Still, even small modifications, like painting rooftops white, can help reduce energy demand for cooling and improve public health. So, the key is to integrate such strategies into urban planning. Now, let's consider some real examples...