Healthier cities will require a strong dose of nature

If current global trends are correct, in 2025, somewhere around 41 million people They will die from non-communicable diseases – which include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and severe mental illness – which account for about 74% of all deaths globally. Despite significant advances in medicine over the past few decades, the number of deaths from noncommunicable diseases is still increasing.

One of the main factors for the rise in noncommunicable diseases is urbanization: Research clearly shows People living in urban areas without access to green spaces have a higher incidence of noncommunicable diseases. Given that by 2050, Two out of three people They are more likely to live in cities, and these trends are very worrying.

On the other hand, a number of recent studies have been conducted at the population level in cities across the world Pointing That people live in Greener areas Not only do they have a lower incidence of non-communicable diseases, but they also have much better physical and mental standards Mental health. This relationship remains statistically strong regardless of an individual’s socioeconomic status, age, or gender. In fact, the evidence for this connection is so strong that in 2022, 196 countries will join the world United Nations Conference of the Parties on Biodiversity It signed an international treaty, part of which included a commitment to significantly increase urban green space by 2030.

What green spaces provide resistance to noncommunicable diseases? Greater opportunities for exercise, cleaner air, and reduced heat stress are all reasons that have been promoted – with evidence supporting some of the role that urban plants play in these respects.

Most importantly, there is also strong scientific evidence showing that when we interact directly with nature, biochemical pathways are triggered in our bodies that lead to significant damage. Beneficial health effects. This research topic started with a group of Japanese scientists who tried to determine the true benefits of forest bathing.Shinrin yoku. Their evidence was so convincing that in Japan currently, instead of medication, patients with certain noncommunicable diseases are prescribed Spending time sitting in the woods.

The good news is that we can get similar health benefits in urban green spaces and with indoor plants. Clinical trials show that something as simple as having… A vase of unscented roses For example, sitting at your desk can significantly lower your blood pressure and bring you physiological and psychological calm. The same applies to leafy plants in your home and office, especially those with green and yellow leaves.