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Date: October 23, 2024
A systematic review published in the open-access journal BMJ Open has highlighted the significant health benefits of abundant urban green spaces, indicating that these areas are associated with lower rates of heat-related illnesses and mortality. This research underscores the vital role that greenery can play in combating the adverse health impacts of rising temperatures, a pressing concern in the context of urbanization and climate change.
The researchers aimed to address the knowledge gap surrounding the relationship between green spaces and heat-related health risks. They examined data from 12 studies conducted across various countries, including the United States, Australia, Vietnam, South Korea, Portugal, Japan, and Hong Kong, which were published in English from January 2000 to December 2022. Initially, over 3,000 studies were reviewed, with the final selection encompassing a diverse range of epidemiological, modeling, simulation, and experimental research.
The findings suggest that urban green spaces, such as parks and trees, significantly mitigate the negative health effects associated with high temperatures. Areas characterized by lush greenery exhibited lower rates of heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Additionally, the presence of urban greenery was correlated with improved mental health and well-being, which can further alleviate the harmful impacts of extreme heat.
Despite the promising correlations found in the review, the researchers noted the limitations due to the varied methodologies employed across the studies, preventing a comprehensive meta-analysis of the data. While the review established associations between urban green spaces and health outcomes, it did not establish direct causal relationships.
“More research is needed to fully understand the extent of the impact of urban greenery on heat-related morbidity and mortality,” the authors emphasize. They call for further exploration into how green spaces interact with other health determinants, such as air pollution and socioeconomic status.
This research aligns with one of the targets set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasizes the need for universal access to safe and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable communities, by 2030.
The study concludes that urban green spaces are critical in mitigating heat-related health risks and propose that urban planning should integrate more greenery to address climate change and enhance public health.
For more detailed insights, refer to the original research article: “Health impact of urban green spaces: a systematic review of heat-related morbidity and mortality,” BMJ Open (2024). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081632.
