Climate change and the resulting increase in temperatures has become a public health problem because in recent years the number of deaths associated with extreme heat has increased, especially in cities, to the point of that a few months ago a study published in The Lancet Public Health warned that heat deaths could triple in Europe before the end of the century if urgent measures are not adopted to prevent it.
One of these possible measures would be to increase urban green spaces, which are not only very pleasing to the eye, but can contribute to protecting human health, according to a new study carried out in seven countries. The research has been published in the journal BMJ Open and has collected data on heat-related health problems from 12 studies carried out in Australia, Hong Kong, Portugal, Japan, South Korea, the United States and Vietnam.
The results showed that areas with more green space had lower rates of heat-related problems and deaths compared to areas with less vegetation. The presence of trees, shrubs and other plants in cities also appears to improve mental health, according to the report, mitigating the negative effects that high temperatures have on people’s well-being.
The role of green spaces in physical and mental health
Extreme heat can worsen chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma, cause medical emergencies such as heat stroke, and promote the spread of infectious diseases. A report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has also warned that “heat-related mortality has increased by around 30% in the last 20 years and it is estimated that heat-related deaths have increased by 94%.” of the European regions observed.
Urban green spaces play an important role in people’s health, not only by offering relief from high temperatures, but because they can help reduce stress, facilitate physical exercise and reduce exposure to atmospheric pollution. noise pollution. Review of scientific evidence led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine suggests that an abundance of green space in urban areas is linked to lower rates of heat-related illness and death, as well as better mental health and well-being.
Researchers analyzed the effects of green spaces on death and poor health in urban areas around the world, based on relevant published research between January 2000 and December 2022, and reviewed 12 studies from an initial total of more than 3,000. from Hong Kong, Australia, Vietnam, the United States, South Korea, Portugal and Japan, which included epidemiological, modeling and simulation studies, as well as experimental research and quantitative analyses.
“Urban green spaces, such as parks and trees, can have a positive impact in reducing the negative health effects associated with high temperatures”
The results revealed that urban green spaces, such as parks and trees, could help offset the harmful health effects of high temperatures. Areas with more green space had lower rates of heat-related illnesses and deaths than areas with less green space, particularly among vulnerable groups.
“Urban green spaces play a vital role in mitigating heat-related health risks and offer a potential strategy for urban planning to address climate change and improve public health,” the researchers explained in the journal BMJ Open.
“A review of urban vegetation and its effect on heat-related morbidity and mortality suggests that urban green spaces, such as parks and trees, may have a positive impact in reducing the negative health effects associated with with the high temperatures,” they add.
“Studies have shown that areas with more green space have lower rates of heat-related morbidity and mortality compared to areas with less green space. In addition, urban vegetation can also have a positive impact on mental health and well-being, which can also contribute to reducing the negative effects of high temperatures on health,” these scientists conclude.
