A systematic review of thousands of studies around the world has found many aspects of our cities affect loneliness. But people’s relationship with their environment is complex and highly individual.
Urban green spaces are threatened by growing cities. But research shows the importance of protecting access to nature as housing densification increases.
When the pandemic hit, green space was there for us at a time when others weren’t or couldn’t be. Urban greening might be the solution to the ‘lonelygenic environment’ that our cities have created.
An urban park as a slice of history.
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Turning a disused Victorian railway bridge into an elevated walkway and garden has the potential to rejuvenate a forgotten part of the city.
Concrete and asphalt roads, and other built materials readily absorb, store and release heat, raising city temperatures, a phenomenon called the urban heat island.
(Pixabay)
The more new housing a neighbourhood has, the less of the local area is dedicated to green space, which has knock-on effects for wellbeing and the climate crisis.
Campaigners are calling for the right to grow fruit and veg in the UK’s unused public spaces.
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In cities across Europe, 62% of the population doesn’t have access to the amount of nature the World Health Organisation recommends.
Plants are more than background foliage in our busy lives. Our relationship with plants supports human health and well-being in many ways.
(Sarah Elton)
Plants support human health not only in terms of providing food, oxygen and shade. Our relationships with plants facilitate political decisions and actions that support health in the city.
Nairobi harbours all the ingredients for zoonotic spillover to occur between animals and people, particularly in the most densely populated areas of the city.
People who live near water report better mental health and wellbeing.
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COVID-19 restrictions led to calls to open up golf courses to the public. But these are such precious refuges for native flora and fauna that access will have to be carefully managed.
All parks are not equal. The response to the opening of golf courses to the public during the COVID pandemic shows the quality of green open space is a big issue for city residents.
Colleges with “green spaces” can contribute to improved mental health for students.
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We know that spending time in nature is good for physical and mental well-being, but social inequality means not everyone has easy access to parks, gardens and woodland.
Cities can prepare for climate change emergencies by adding green spaces to help manage stormwater, heat stress and air quality.
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The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the lack of green space available to those living in urban areas. Cities must be managed as ecosystems to make them more liveable and resilient.
Melbourne Sky Park, between the CBD grid and Docklands precinct.
Oculus, used with permission