The euPOLIS vision: Improving well-being with nature-based solutions

Abstract

The euPOLIS vision: Improving well-being with nature-based solutions Back in the 1800's people started moving from rural to urban areas. This urbanization process was motivated by many factors, including better education, housing, access to work, and less time and expense of commuting and transportation. For many years, an increasing trend of urbanization was observed, followed by set of harmful phenomena, such as alienation, increased cost of living, and mass marginalization. Today, we are facing the consequences that emerged. The adverse effects of urbanization took a toll on peoples' mental and physical health. On the one hand, mental health is affected by stressors and factors, such as overcrowded and polluted environment, high levels of violence, and reduced social support. On the other hand, urbanization is associated with increased risk of asthma, due to the exposure to air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO). Both cases require for prompt actions/solutions.