Healthier Cities Will Require a Strong Dose of Nature

If current global trends are correct, in 2025, approx 41 million people will die from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory illness and serious mental illness – which represent about 74 percent of all deaths worldwide. Despite major advances in medicine over the past few decades, the death toll from NCDs is still rising.

Urbanization is one of the main reasons for the increase in NCDs: The research shows clearly People who live in urban areas without access to green space are more prone to NCDs. By 2050, Two out of every three It is possible to live in the city, this trend is extremely worrying.

On the other hand, several recent population-level studies in cities around the world indicates people who live green area Not only is there a lower rate of NCDs but also significantly better physical health mental health. This relationship remains statistically strong regardless of the individual’s socioeconomic status, age, or gender. In fact, the evidence for this association is so strong that, in 2022, 196 countries United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Signed an international agreement, part of which included a commitment to significantly increase urban green space by 2030.

What is it about green spaces that prevent NCDs? Greater opportunities for exercise, cleaner air and less heat stress have all been identified as factors – with evidence supporting some role for urban plants in this regard.

Importantly, there is also strong scientific evidence that shows that when we interact directly with nature, biochemical pathways are triggered in our bodies that result in significant Beneficial health effects. This topic of research began with a group of scientists in Japan trying to determine the true benefits of forest bathing.shinrin-yoku. The evidence they found was so compelling that now, in Japan, instead of medication, certain NCD patients are given advice. Spends time sitting in the forest.

The good news is that we can get similar health benefits with urban green spaces and indoor plants. Clinical trials show that something as simple as having one A vase of unscented roses At your desk, for example, can significantly lower your blood pressure and induce physiological and psychological relaxation. So you can have leafy plants in your home and office, especially plants with green and yellow leaves.