Abstract
The world is becoming increasingly urbanised, impacting human interactions with natural environments (NEs). NEs take a number of forms, ranging from pristine, modified, to built NEs, which are common in many urban areas. NEs may include nature-based solutions, such as introducing nature elements and biological processes into cities that are used to solve problems created by urbanisation. Whilst urbanisation has negative impacts on human health, impacting mental and physical wellbeing through a number of mechanisms, exposure to NEs may improve human health and wellbeing. Here, we review the mechanisms by which health can be improved by exposure to NEs, as explained by Stress Reduction Theory, Attention Restoration Theory, and the ‘Old Friends’/biodiversity hypothesis. Such exposures may have physiological and immunological benefits, mediated through endocrine pathways and altered microbiota. Citizen Science, which often causes exposure to NEs and social activity, is being increasingly used to not only collect scientific data but also to engage individuals and communities. Despite being a named component of scientific and environmental strategies of governments, to our knowledge, the intrinsic health benefits of Citizen Science in NEs do not form part of public health policy. We contend that Citizen Science programs that facilitate exposure to NEs in urban areas may represent an important public health policy advance.
Highlights
IntroductionCompared to remote and regional communities, income and access to health services are often higher for people living in cities, as are some health indicators such as longevity and total disease burden [2] demonstrating a complex relationship between urbanisation and human health
Within cities, living near green spaces and natural environments (NEs) typically confers health benefits ranging from better mental health and wellbeing to reduced overall mortality [3]
We provide a discussion in which we propose the use of nature-based Citizen Science as a public health intervention in itself, which is ideally suited to those living in urban areas
Summary
Compared to remote and regional communities, income and access to health services are often higher for people living in cities, as are some health indicators such as longevity and total disease burden [2] demonstrating a complex relationship between urbanisation and human health. Within cities, living near green spaces and natural environments (NEs) typically confers health benefits ranging from better mental health and wellbeing to reduced overall mortality [3]. Adding to this urban health complexity are findings from some studies showing increased mortality in cities with greater overall ‘greenness’ [4], and tensions between green space creation, urban gentrification and social inequity [5]
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