Nghe TOEFL

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Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today, let's discuss the concept of urban heat islands. As you know, cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas. This is due to several factors. First, concrete and asphalt absorb and re-radiate heat more than vegetation. Second, buildings block wind, reducing cooling. Third, waste heat from vehicles and air conditioners adds to the temperature. However, there are mitigation strategies. Green roofs, which are covered with plants, can reduce rooftop temperatures by up to 30 degrees Celsius. Also, planting street trees provides shade and releases moisture through transpiration. Another approach is using reflective materials for pavements and roofs. These cool roofs can reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. In a recent study, a city that implemented a combination of green roofs and cool pavements saw a 2-degree drop in average summer temperature. This may sound small, but it can significantly reduce energy consumption for cooling and improve public health.