Urban Green Space and Health

Access to parks, trees, and other green areas within cities is increasingly recognized as a determinant of physical and mental health, with evidence linking nature contact to reduced stress, greater physical activity, and lower rates of certain chronic conditions. Researchers work to understand the biological and social mechanisms behind these effects—from air filtration and heat reduction provided by vegetation to the psychological restoration that comes from time spent in natural settings. A persistent open question is how these benefits are distributed across populations, since green space is often unevenly concentrated in wealthier neighborhoods, raising concerns about environmental justice. Active research directions include quantifying which features of urban biodiversity matter most for health outcomes and designing policy interventions that expand equitable access without displacing existing communities.

Works

73,530

Total citations

1,116,179

Keywords

Urban Green SpacePublic HealthEnvironmental JusticeNature ContactBiodiversity ConservationMental Wellbeing