Today in our environmental science lecture, we'll discuss urban heat islands. Cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas due to concrete and asphalt absorbing heat. However, one effective mitigation strategy is increasing green spaces. A study in Melbourne showed that adding parks and street trees can reduce local temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius. Interestingly, the placement of green spaces matters more than their total area. For example, small distributed gardens are more effective than one large park. This is because they create cooling corridors that allow air to circulate. Additionally, green roofs on buildings can help, but they are less impactful than ground-level vegetation.
❓ According to the lecture, what did the study in Melbourne reveal about green spaces and urban heat?
A. Large parks reduce temperatures more than small gardens
B. The location of green spaces is more important than their total size
C. Green roofs are the most effective cooling method
D. Concrete absorbs less heat than asphalt
✅ Correct Answer
B. The location of green spaces is more important than their total size
