According to a recent study, adding green areas in cities is necessary for lowering the number of illnesses and deaths caused by climate change. The findings of the study show that increasing the parks, trees and greenery in urban areas can help nations to fight with the negative effects of heat in humans and to improve public health.
Results on heat-related illnesses were compiled from 12 researches in Australia, Hong Kong, Portugal, Japan, South Korea, the US and Vietnam in the analysis, which was published in an open access journal BMJ Open. These studies included quantitative analysis of experimental research, modelling, simulation and epidemiological investigations.
Compared to areas with less greenery, those with large green space have experienced a lower number of heat-related illness and death. According to the study, having trees, bushes and other plants in urban areas also seems to improve people’s mental health while balancing the negative effects of high temperatures on people’s wellbeing.
Ahsana Nazish, who is the main author of this study and also a researcher at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, told Euronews Health, “Greenery helps lower ambient temperatures, which is especially beneficial during heatwaves in urban areas. Beyond physical health, access to green spaces enhances mental well-being, further mitigating the negative health impacts of high temperatures.”
The review identified links between urban green spaces and health outcomes, however it doesn’t show the extent of impact because of the different methodology and design of the study, the researchers noted. They highlighted, “It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the extent of the impact of urban greenery on heat-related morbidity and mortality, and how it interacts with other factors such as air pollution, socioeconomic status among others.”
However, they still come to the conclusion, “Urban green spaces play a vital role in mitigating heat-related health risks, offering a potential strategy for urban planning to address climate change and enhance public health.”
