Nghe TOEFL

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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. One major cause is the replacement of natural surfaces like soil and vegetation with materials such as concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat. Additionally, waste heat from vehicles, air conditioners, and industrial processes contributes to the effect. The consequences are not just uncomfortable summers; higher temperatures can increase energy demand for cooling, which in turn leads to more greenhouse gas emissions. Cities have started to address this. For example, some are planting more trees and creating green roofs, which provide shade and release moisture. Others are using reflective materials for pavement and buildings to reduce heat absorption. Interestingly, the heat island effect can also have a positive side: in colder climates, it may reduce heating costs in winter. However, the overall impact is generally negative. So, a key takeaway is that urban planning decisions today can either worsen or mitigate this issue, and it's crucial we consider long-term climate resilience.