Trees, parks, and other green spaces offer an antidote to fast-paced, noisy, and crowded city life. A new scientific study explores how access to nature benefits both our mental and physical health, and the extent to which city councils should prioritise greenery for healthier, happier citizens.
The Study
Researchers examined how different types of greenspace — parks, gardens, street trees, and even green roofs — affect health outcomes. By combining satellite imagery, health surveys, and demographic data, they were able to map how the amount and quality of greenery around people’s homes related to their wellbeing.
Their findings confirm what many intuitively know: more (and closer) greener means better outcomes.
Key Benefits
- Mental Health Boosts
Exposure to nature reduces stress hormones, lowers anxiety, and improves mood. Green views from windows and regular park visits were both linked to lower rates of depression. - Physical Health Gains
People living near abundant greenspace had lower rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Part of this is due to more opportunities for physical activity, but even passive exposure—simply being near greenery—was beneficial. - Cognitive Benefits
Children with more access to natural environments performed better on tests of memory and attention. Adults also reported less mental fatigue. - Social Connection
Green spaces often serve as informal community hubs, increasing social interaction, which itself is linked to better health.
What We’re Doing Wrong
The study also points out inequalities:
- Wealthier neighbourhoods tend to have more and better-maintained greenery.
- In deprived areas, green spaces are often smaller, less safe, and less accessible.
- Rapid urbanisation can erode existing natural areas, leaving fewer people with daily access to nature.
How Cities Can Do Better
The authors suggest cities should:
- Integrate nature into urban design, from tree-lined streets to green roofs.
- Prioritise access so every resident lives within a short walk of a park or natural area.
- Maintain and improve existing greenspace to ensure safety and usability.
- Target greening efforts in areas with the least current access, reducing health inequalities.
Bottom Line
This research reinforces that greenspace isn’t just decoration — it’s infrastructure for human health. Investing in nature within cities can cut healthcare costs, boost productivity, and improve quality of life.
Put simply: if we want healthier cities, we need more green in them.
Source
Understanding the socioeconomic equity of publicly accessible greenspace distribution: The example of Sheffield, UK, Geoforum, 2019-04-26
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