Abstract
There is a growing recognition of the links between the increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, environmental concerns including biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, and socioecological issues such as ecological (in)justice. This has encouraged a number of recent calls for the development of integrative approaches aimed at addressing these issues—also known as nature-based solutions. An example of an emerging nature-based solution is a ‘green prescription’, broadly defined as a nature-based health intervention. Green prescriptions are typically designed for patients with a defined need and they have the potential to supplement orthodox medical treatments, particularly those aimed at addressing noncommunicable diseases. It is also thought that green prescriptions could bring about significant environmental, economic, and social co-benefits. However, researchers have recently expressed concerns over taking the ‘dose of nature’ approach, in that it may be too reductionistic for the complex social settings in which it is provided. Here we frame a holistic philosophical perspective and discuss green prescribing logic, types, mechanisms and fundamental remaining questions and challenges. We place a significant emphasis on the potential co-benefits of green prescriptions, and the importance of taking a planetary health approach. More research is needed to determine how this potential can be realised, and to further understand the complexities of the nature–human health relationship. However, with additional research and support, there is huge potential for green prescriptions to contribute to both reactive (health care) and proactive (health promoting) public health solutions whilst enhancing the natural environment.
Highlights
We provide an overview of two of the key issues that green prescriptions could potentially help to address—a need for public health innovation, and new strategies that support ecosystem resilience and biodiversity conservation
Enhanced pro-ecological behaviours and environmental conservation volunteering is an activity that is associated with green prescriptions; stewardship are some of the key potential co-benefits that could conceivably generate positive the enhancement of green spaces and biodiversity across urban areas could be incorporated into a cascading impacts on the natural environment by influencing lifestyle decisions and positive changes green prescribing strategy itself
Green prescriptions have the potential to contribute towards improving human health and wellbeing
Summary
In a number of studies investigating the social determinants of public health, attention has been drawn to the uncomfortable reality of the pressing need for public health and socioeconomic innovation [12,13,14]. These studies highlight significant health inequalities in many countries. Around one in four people experience mental health issues in the UK each year [20,21] These conditions are diverse, often co-morbid with other NCDs [22,23], and they are thought to be responsible for 38 million annual deaths across the planet [24,25]. Improve public health and wellbeing; Close the health inequality gap; and, Alleviate the financial burden currently facing health services and the wider economy
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