Abundant green space in urban areas is linked to lower rates of heat related illness and death as well as better mental health and wellbeing, finds a systematic review of the available research, published in the open access journal BMJ Open . Green space may help offset the adverse health effects of high temperatures, conclude the researchers. In recognition of the detrimental heat related effects of increasing urbanisation and climate change, one of the UN Sustainable Development Goal targets stipulates the provision of universal access to safe and accessible green and public spaces, especially for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those living with long term conditions, by 2030.
Despite an extensive body of research on the overall beneficial effects of green spaces, their effects on heat related health risks remain poorly understood, say the researchers. In a bid to plug this knowledge gap, they looked at the effects of green zones on death and ill health in urban areas across the globe, drawing on relevant published research. They included content published in English between January 2000 and December 2022, and reviewed 12 studies out of an initial haul of more than 3000 from Hong Kong, Australia (4), Vietnam, the USA (3), South Korea, Portugal and Japan.
These included epidemiological, modelling, and simulation studies, as well as experimental research and quantitative analyses. The review showed that urban green spaces, such as parks and trees, can po.