Đề thi VSTEP Full B2 — Urban Heat & Sustainable Fashion (Round 7)

When summer temperatures climb above 38°C in major cities, the consequences extend far beyond simple discomfort. Researchers now call the phenomenon of 'urban heat islands' — metropolitan areas significantly warmer than surrounding rural zones — a serious public health concern. The temperature gap between city centers and the nearby countryside can reach 5°C. Concrete buildings, asphalt roads, and limited vegetation absorb and retain heat throughout the day, then slowly release it after sunset. This persistent heat disproportionately affects older adults, infants, and outdoor workers such as construction laborers and street vendors. Recent health surveys show heat-related hospital admissions in densely built neighborhoods rise by roughly 8% for every additional degree above seasonal averages. Many patients suffer from dehydration, heatstroke, or worsening cardiovascular conditions. Urban planners are responding with reflective roofing, expanded tree planting, and 'cool corridors' — shaded pedestrian routes linking parks and transit hubs. While these measures show promise, experts warn that without coordinated action, the health gap between wealthy and underserved neighborhoods will continue to widen.

Host: Today we're joined by Maya Tran, founder of the '30-Wear Challenge,' a campaign asking people to wear each item of clothing at least thirty times before considering it disposable. Maya, where did this idea come from? Maya: It started with a shocking statistic I read last year: the average garment is worn only seven times before being thrown away. That's not clothing — that's almost disposable packaging. Host: That's hard to believe. Maya: It is. And the environmental cost is enormous. Fashion accounts for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined. Most of that comes from producing new clothes that are quickly discarded. Host: So how does the challenge actually work? Maya: Participants pledge to track every item they wear. After thirty uses, they can choose to keep, repair, donate, or recycle it — but they have to make a conscious decision rather than toss it in the trash impulsively. Host: And has it made a difference? Maya: Early results are encouraging. Across three pilot cities, participants reduced clothing purchases by an average of 40%, and many reported feeling more creative with what they already owned. We've also seen growing interest in clothing swaps and repair cafés. Host: Thank you, Maya.