Nghe TOEFL

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Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing the concept of urban heat islands. "Urban areas tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. This occurs because buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun's heat more than natural landscapes do. In addition, cities have less vegetation and more impervious surfaces, which reduce shade and moisture. The heat island effect can raise city temperatures by several degrees, especially at night. This increase affects energy consumption, as people use more air conditioning, and it can worsen air pollution. One common mitigation strategy is to increase green spaces, such as parks or green roofs, which provide shade and cool the air through evapotranspiration. Another approach is to use reflective materials on rooftops and pavements to reduce heat absorption. These measures not only lower temperatures but also improve public health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."