Residential Green Space Research Articles

Extensive inequality of residential greenspace exposure within urban areas in China

Ensuring residents' equal access to high quality urban greenspace is vital for urban environmental justice and sustainable urban development. However, most previous studies have mainly focused on greenspace quantity, overlooking its quality. Moreover, the national-level spatial distribution pattern of residential greenspace exposure (RGE) within urban areas remains unclear. Here, we have improved the existing RGE assessment framework by integrating both the quality and quantity of urban greenspace to evaluate RGE and its associated inequality across 119,692 blocks in 334 Chinese cities in 2020. We find that the spatial distribution pattern of RGE varies with urban size. Large cities exhibit a distinct clustering of low RGE in their central areas, whereas small cities tend to show a pronounced clustering of high RGE in the central areas. RGE in Chinese cities indicates extensive inequality, as the average RGE of high-exposed people is nearly four times greater than that of low-exposed people. Moreover, residents in larger cities are more prone to experiencing greater inequalities compared to those in smaller cities. We also find that the landscape metrics (i.e., connectance index and mean Euclidean nearest-neighbor distance) of greenspace possess a strong explanatory power (R2 = 0.431) for the observed inequality. Our study underscores the importance of optimizing the landscape structure of urban greenspace and enhancing equality in the quality of greenspace. These findings provide novel insights for urban greenspace planning and promoting urban environmental justice.

Residential Green Space Provides Behavioral Benefits During Early Childhood

Residential Green Space Provides Behavioral Benefits During Early Childhood

GIS Application For Mapping and Analyzing Urban Green Open Spaces (Case Study of Sragen City)

Abstract Green open space in cities is one of the environmental controls. In residential spatial planning, green open space is very necessary in the form of green belts and passive or active parks. Sustainable development must be supported by adequate residential green space, which must fulfill the function of absorbing CO2, increasing the volume of groundwater and being useful as a flood controller. The availability of green open space for the community can increase the aesthetic value of a city’s environmental area and can function as an economic value [9]. This research aims to determine the extent of green open space in Sragen City. From this research, we can analyze the development and need for green open space in Sragen City to study and develop a green city and a balanced environment. This research is aimed at understanding the area of green open space in Sragen City. From this research, we can analyze the development and need for green open space in Sragen City to study and develop a green city and a balanced environment. Sufficiency of green open spaces Needs Based on Area and City Area Sragen City’s green open spaces do not meet the minimum requirement of 30%. Of the green open space, the city forest managed by environmental services is included in it with an area of 2,500 m2. However, Sragen City’s green open space looks large because it includes moorlands, residential forests, state forests, and ponds. Meanwhile, 130.17 Ha is land managed by the Sragen City Regency Government. This research uses primary and secondary methods. To obtain a map of the green open space area of the research area, Quickbird image analysis is required. From the results of the research, it was concluded that the management and efforts to provide sufficient green open space were adequate, but in terms of area, the proportion of green open space that was determined was still not sufficient. There are seven types of green open space in Sragen City, namely in the form of urban forest green open space, green lane green open space for roads, pedestrian, open space, river border green open space, cemetery green open space, private and community property building green open space, as well as plantation and resident’s yard green open space.

Towards a better understanding of capitalization of urban greening: Examining the interactive relationship between public and club green space accessibility

With the inequalities in accessing urban green space being intensified worldwide, the capitalization of urban green space (UGS) is increasingly becoming an important concern for achieving inclusive and sustainable urban development. Although the relationship between greening and capital investment has been widely investigated, little is known about the role of residential club green space in the capitalization of urban greening, particularly in cities with well-established markets for gated communities (GCs). To address this gap, this study put together multiple official data and open data to systematically examine the interrelation between club green space and urban parks in terms of accessibility and affordability. The results demonstrate that club green space profoundly influences residents' daily exposure to urban green space, particularly for walking modes. Additionally, residents’ general willingness to pay for accessing UGS may create a mutually reinforcing effect between club green space and urban parks. As the housing premiums reflect, club green space complements high-level parks (city and district parks) but substitutes small-scale parks (community and pocket parks). Park quality and neighborhood population density may amplify the substitution effect of club greens, while the level of neighborhood aging shows a contrary effect and is reflected mainly in walking accessibility. Foregrounding the often-overlooked residential club green space in UGS studies, this research offers a novel and useful perspective to enrich the understanding of capitalization of urban green spaces, especially in GCs-dominated urban contexts, thus informing green space planning and policy-making.

Impact of changing urban typologies on residential vegetation and its climate-effects – A case study from Helsinki, Finland

Residential green spaces are an integral part of urban green infrastructure and its role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Various urban typologies and changing planning practices affect the amount and structure of residential greenery, which has a direct impact on climate benefits. While urban green and its climate benefits have received increasing attention, there is still limited knowledge on how changing planning practices and related urban typologies impact residential vegetation and its capacity to deliver climate benefits. This paper aims to address this gap by determining the impact of planning practices on residential vegetation, focussing specifically on climate mitigation and adaptation. With the case study of Helsinki, characterized by a high share of green areas, the paper first examines how construction year and urban density affect the amount and structure of vegetation on residential properties. Second, it estimates the carbon sequestration and summer temperatures in the present-day climate. The paper applies spatial modelling and regression analysis to estimate the impact of construction year on the studied dependent variables, while controlling density via gross floor area of buildings. The study demonstrates that the average amount of residential vegetation, as measured using canopy and vegetation cover, has declined 15 percentage points from the 1970 s to early 2010 s and the canopy to low vegetation ratio has decreased constantly over the periods studied. The decline of the canopy cover in particular has reduced the climate benefits of residential vegetation. The paper highlights the significant impact of gross floor area and planning practices on urban vegetation cover and the climate benefits it provides. It also stresses the importance of ensuring sufficient tree cover and permeable surfaces in cities with progressive climate mitigation agenda throughout the chain of urban planning, construction, and subsequent property management stages.

Green space exposure and blood DNA methylation at birth and in childhood – A multi-cohort study

Green space exposure has been associated with improved mental, physical and general health. However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between green space exposure and cord and child blood DNA methylation.Data from eight European birth cohorts with a total of 2,988 newborns and 1,849 children were used. Two indicators of residential green space exposure were assessed: (i) surrounding greenness (satellite-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in buffers of 100 m and 300 m) and (ii) proximity to green space (having a green space ≥ 5,000 m2 within a distance of 300 m). For these indicators we assessed two exposure windows: (i) pregnancy, and (ii) the period from pregnancy to child blood DNA methylation assessment, named as cumulative exposure. DNA methylation was measured with the Illumina 450K or EPIC arrays. To identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) we fitted robust linear regression models between pregnancy green space exposure and cord blood DNA methylation and between cumulative green space exposure and child blood DNA methylation. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted: (i) without adjusting for cellular composition, and (ii) adjusting for air pollution. Cohort results were combined through fixed-effect inverse variance weighted meta-analyses. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified from meta-analysed results using the Enmix-combp and DMRcate methods.There was no statistical evidence of pregnancy or cumulative exposures associating with any DMP (False Discovery Rate, FDR, p-value < 0.05). However, surrounding greenness exposure was inversely associated with four DMRs (three in cord blood and one in child blood) annotated to ADAMTS2, KCNQ1DN, SLC6A12 and SDK1 genes. Results did not change substantially in the sensitivity analyses.Overall, we found little evidence of the association between green space exposure and blood DNA methylation. Although we identified associations between surrounding greenness exposure with four DMRs, these findings require replication.

Examining the scale effect of nearby residential green space on residents’ BMI: A case study of Guangzhou, China

Green spaces are closely related to the quality of the urban environment and public health. However, studies have rarely paid attention to nearby residential green space which is more closely connected to residents’ daily lives. Does nearby residential green space have a scale effect on the body mass index (BMI) of residents? What type of green space has a more significant effect? Does this effect differ for residents living in central urban areas and suburban areas? To answer these questions, this study first measured three scales of nearby residential green space accessibility of 1398 samples of 18 neighborhoods’ survey data in Guangzhou, China, combined with the application of the TIQS (Travel O-D point Intelligent Query System). And then, multilevel mixed-effects models were developed to examine the scale effect of nearby residential green space accessibility on residents’ BMI. The results show that nearby residential green space has a scale effect on individual BMI and the effect of the 10-minute walking scale is the most significant. Within a 10-minute walking distance from the residence, the larger the green space and the more accessible it is, the lower the individual’s BMI. Parks are the green spaces that are most correlated to residents’ BMI, but their effect is somewhat different between the central urban areas and suburban areas. These findings give us a better understanding of the association between nearby residential green space and public health, as well as providing implications for the improvement of the urban green space system and policy development for healthy cities.

Green Space and Internalizing or Externalizing Symptoms Among Children

Evidence suggests that living near green space supports mental health, but studies examining the association of green space with early mental health symptoms among children are rare. To evaluate the association between residential green space and early internalizing (eg, anxiety and depression) and externalizing (eg, aggression and rule-breaking) symptoms. Data for this cohort study were drawn from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes cohort; analysis was conducted from July to October 2023. Children born between 2007 and 2013 with outcome data in early (aged 2-5 years) and/or middle (aged 6-11 years) childhood who resided in 41 states across the US, drawing from clinic, hospital, and community-based cohorts, were included. Cohort sites were eligible if they recruited general population participants and if at least 30 children had outcome and residential address data to measure green space exposure. Nine cohorts with 13 sites met these criteria. Children diagnosed with autism or developmental delay were excluded, and 1 child per family was included. Green space exposure was measured using a biannual (ie, summer and winter) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, a satellite image-based indicator of vegetation density assigned to monthly residential history from birth to outcome assessment. Child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1½ to 5 or 6 to 18. The association between green space and internalizing and externalizing symptoms was modeled with multivariable linear regression using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for birthing parent educational level, age at delivery, child sex, prematurity, and neighborhood socioeconomic vulnerability. Models were estimated separately for early and middle childhood samples. Among 2103 children included, 1061 (50.5%) were male; 606 (29.1%) identified as Black, 1094 (52.5%) as White, 248 (11.9%) as multiple races, and 137 (6.6%) as other races. Outcomes were assessed at mean (SD) ages of 4.2 (0.6) years in 1469 children aged 2 to 5 years and 7.8 (1.6) years in 1173 children aged 6 to 11 years. Greater green space exposure was associated with fewer early childhood internalizing symptoms in fully adjusted models (b = -1.29; 95% CI, -1.62 to -0.97). No associations were observed between residential green space and internalizing or externalizing symptoms in middle childhood. In this study of residential green space and children's mental health, the association of green space with fewer internalizing symptoms was observed only in early childhood, suggesting a sensitive period for nature exposure. Policies protecting and promoting access to green space may help alleviate early mental health risk.

Applying analytic hierarchy process for site selection of a recreational-educational children complex in Shiraz City, Iran

The development of educational-recreational complexes for children has a significant impact on their cognitive growth and behaviour. Proper site selection is essential to ensure the success of such projects. This paper aims to identify the best location for a children’s educational-recreational complex in Shiraz, Iran. The study used a descriptive-comparative and survey method to determine effective criteria for site selection. A questionnaire was administered to experts in architecture, urban design, and planning to identify appropriate sites. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was then employed to select the best location. The hierarchical model included three levels: goal (educational-recreational site selection), criteria (natural potential, accessibility, land size, neighbourhood and social context, expansibility, appropriate land use (the neighbourhood between proposed and master plan land use)), and three alternative sites. The results showed that a site located near residential areas, green spaces, and natural elements is suitable for the development of an educational-recreational complex for children. The study recommends the use of the SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) - AHP method for site selection in children’s complexes. The paper highlights the need for a reliability test or table/figure to support the research findings.

Neighbourhood green space and loneliness in middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health in China

Loneliness may contribute to chronic diseases, while neighbourhood green space is increasingly understood to benefit health. However, whether green space is associated with loneliness is less understood, especially for an ageing population. This study aims to explore the relationship between different measures of green space and loneliness among middle-aged and older adults (N = 8383) based on a national cohort. Loneliness was measured with a yes-or-no (binary) self-reported question, while the availability of residential green space was assessed with the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and proportion of neighbourhood public parks. Multilevel logistic regression models, stratified and mediation analysis were used to test whether green space availability was associated with loneliness. The results showed that both forms of residential green space were negatively associated with the risk of loneliness, even after adjustments for covariates. These associations were partially mediated by social cohesion and modified by socioeconomic status and age; residents who were males, at least 60 years old, had lower incomes, or had no high school degree showed protective associations of residential green space on loneliness in some stratified models. These findings indicate that residential green space plays an important role in loneliness risk reduction in middle-aged and older adults, so policymakers can consider urban greening as part of their comprehensive plans to support the mental health of ageing adults.

Associations between green space availability and youth’s physical activity in urban and rural areas across Germany

Green space may be an important physical activity facilitator for children and adolescents. However, to date, most studies focused on urban green space, and few studies investigated associations between green space and physical activity across urban and rural areas, which was the goal of this study. Data were obtained from a German cohort study, including 1,211 youth aged 6–17 years. Residential green space was assessed within a 1000 m street-network buffer using land cover and land use data and divided into quartiles, urbanicity using the European Urbanization Degree, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using accelerometers. Associations were investigated via linear regression analysis stratified by urbanicity degree, controlling for relevant confounders. We found that in rural areas, compared to youth in the bottom green quartile, those within the middle (2nd) and upper (3rd) green quartiles engaged in less MVPA. This relationship was not observed for youth in towns and cities. Interactions occurred between green space and socio-demographic characteristics for children and adolescents in cities: Compared to the bottom green quartile, boys or younger children within the middle green quartile engaged in more MVPA. However, socially disadvantaged children and adolescents in cities engaged in less MVPA in the upper compared to the bottom green quartile. Our results show that associations between green space and MVPA do not only differ between urban and rural areas but also among youth sub-populations. These findings are important to consider for planning policies to create inclusive active living environments across urban and rural areas.

Making residential green space exposure evaluation more accurate: A composite assessment framework that integrates objective and subjective indicators

Traditional satellite or land use-derived indicators for assessing residential green space (RGS) exposure have limitations in predicting health benefits, owing to the individual differences in the absorption of ‘real’ green exposure. This study developed a novel framework, Greenspace Exposure Composite Indices (GCIs), that modifies objective RGS metrics by including residents’ subjective factors. First, three RGS objective indicators were established based on 3D point clouds: the overall green exposure index(GEI), floor-level green exposure index(FGEI), and activity-site green exposure index(AGEI). The individual factors (i.e. perception, emotion, and behaviour towards RGS) are then weighted to these objective indicators to obtain modified GCIs through the Brunswikian lens model. We also used this novel framework to examine the effects of the RGS indicators on environmental satisfaction based on a case study including 1594 participants in Nanjing, China. The Random Forest Model was used to examine the associations between GCIs and environmental satisfaction, and the results showed that GCIs had a higher explanatory degree of environmental satisfaction than traditional objective ones. Our findings demonstrated that incorporating subjective indicators to optimise objective RGS indicators could offer advantages in predicting environmental satisfaction. This framework is also applicable for predicting the potential effects of RGS exposure on other health-related outcomes.

Individual and Neighborhood Level Predictors of Children’s Exposure to Residential Greenspace

Inequities in urban greenspace have been identified, though patterns by race and socioeconomic status vary across US settings. We estimated the magnitude of the relationship between a broad mixture of neighborhood-level factors and residential greenspace using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and compared predictive models of greenspace using only neighborhood-level, only individual-level, or multi-level predictors. Greenspace measures included the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), tree canopy, and proximity of the nearest park, for residential locations in Shelby County, Tennessee of children in the CANDLE cohort. Neighborhood measures include socioeconomic and education resources, as well as racial composition and racial residential segregation. In this sample of 1012 mother–child dyads, neighborhood factors were associated with higher NDVI and tree canopy (0.021 unit higher NDVI [95% CI: 0.014, 0.028] per quintile increase in WQS index); homeownership rate, proximity of and enrollment at early childhood education centers, and racial composition, were highly weighted in the WQS index. In models constrained in the opposite direction (0.028 unit lower NDVI [95% CI: − 0.036, − 0.020]), high school graduation rate and teacher experience were highly weighted. In prediction models, adding individual-level predictors to the suite of neighborhood characteristics did not meaningfully improve prediction accuracy for greenspace measures. Our findings highlight disparities in greenspace for families by neighborhood socioeconomic and early education factors, and by race, suggesting several neighborhood indicators for consideration both as potential confounders in studies of greenspace and pediatric health as well as in the development of policies and programs to improve equity in greenspace access.

Built environment and loneliness in later life: productive engagement as the pathway

Objectives The built environment is increasingly recognized as being associated with late-life loneliness. However, the pathway remains understudied. This study investigated the mediating effects of productive engagement in relationships between the built environment and loneliness. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from 4,409 community-dwelling people aged 65 years and above in China. We employed the Chinese version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale to assess loneliness. The built environment comprises residential density, street connectivity, park-based and vegetation-based green space, land use mix, and the number of and distance to the nearest recreational, health, shopping and community services within 300-meter and 500-meter buffer areas. Structural equation modeling was used. Results Only green space (parks) had a direct effect on loneliness. Residential density and green space (parks) had an indirect effect on loneliness through volunteering. The number of recreational services had an indirect effect on loneliness through recreational and sporting activities, although distance to the nearest recreational services did not. All the significant results were only found within 300-meter rather than 500-meter buffers. Conclusions Our findings have implications for environmental gerontology theory and practice. Providing more green space and recreational services can significantly improve older adults’ helping behavior, social activities and sporting activities, which can further reduce older adults’ loneliness.

Exposure to green spaces, cardiovascular risk biomarkers and incident cardiovascular disease in older adults: The Seniors-Enrica II cohort

IntroductionThe impact of residential green spaces on cardiovascular health in older adults remains uncertain. MethodsCohort study involving 2114 adults aged ≥ 65 years without cardiovascular disease (CVD), residing in five dense municipalities (Prince et al., 2015) of the Madrid region and with detailed characterization of their socioeconomic background, health behaviors, CVD biological risk factors, and mental, physical, and cognitive health. Greenness exposure was measured using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at varying distances from participants' homes. Traffic exposure, neighborhood environment, neighborhood walkability, and socioeconomic deprivation at the census level were also assessed. Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF‐15) were measured at baseline, and incident CVD events identified through electronic medical records (International Classification of Primary Care-2 codes K74, K75, K77, K90, and K92). ResultsAfter adjusting for sex, age, educational attainment, financial hardship and socioeconomic deprivation at the census level, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI at 250, 500, 750, and 1000 m around participants' homes was associated with mean differences in ProBNP of −5.56 % (95 %CI: −9.77; −1.35), −5.05 % (-9.58; −0.53), −4.24 % (-8.19, −0.19), and −4.16 % (-7.59; −0.74), respectively; and mean differences in hs-TnT among diabetic participants of −8.03 % (95 %CI: −13.30; −2.77), −9.52 % (-16.08; −2.96), −8.05 % (-13.94, −2.16) and −5.56 % (-10.75; −0.54), respectively. Of similar magnitude, although only statistically significant at 250 and 500 m, were the observed lower IL-6 levels with increasing greenness. GDF-15 levels were independent of NDVI. In prospective analyses (median follow-up 6.29 years), an IQR increase in residential greenness at 500, 750, and 1000 m was associated with a lower risk of incident CVD. The variables that contributed most to the apparent beneficial effects of greenness on CVD were lower exposure to traffic, improved cardiovascular risk factors, and enhanced physical performance. Additionally, neighborhood walkability and increased physical activity were notable contributors among individuals with diabetes. ConclusionIncreased exposure to residential green space was associated with a moderate reduction in CVD risk in older adults residing in densely populated areas.

Residential greenspace exposure, particularly green window-views, is associated with improved sleep quality among older adults: Evidence from a high-density city

Preliminary evidence suggests a potential link between greenspace exposure and better sleep quality. Here we aimed to investigate the specific associations between residential greenspace exposure, green-window views, and sleep quality among older adults and determine whether these associations were mediated through mitigation (i.e., perceived noise annoyance, air pollution, and artificial light pollution) and restoration (i.e., psychological stress) pathways. A total of 1007 older adults with an average age >70 years were recruited from 40 residential communities in the Old City District of Nanjing, China. We developed a set of fine-grained greenspace exposure indices based on 3D point cloud data derived from unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry, incorporating vegetation coverage and green volume ratio at the community level and green window ratio at the individual level. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We examined the complex interrelationships between residential greenspace exposure, environmental stressors (air pollution, artificial light pollution, and noise), perceived mental stress, and sleep quality using multilevel linear regression models. The results suggested the following: (1) Vegetation coverage, green volume ratio, and green window ratio were significantly associated with sleep quality in older adults. (2) The green window ratio was more strongly associated with improved sleep quality than other greenspace exposure metrics. (3) These associations may be partially explained by noise mitigation and mental stress reduction. In conclusion, it seems advantageous to consider immediate residential greenspace, particularly through green-window views, as part of the interventions aimed at supporting sleep quality improvement among older adults.

Associations of residential green space with internalizing and externalizing behavior in early childhood

BackgroundGreen space exposures may promote child mental health and well-being across multiple domains and stages of development. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between residential green space exposures and child mental and behavioral health at age 4–6 years.MethodsChildren’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors in the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) cohort in Shelby County, Tennessee, were parent-reported on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We examined three exposures—residential surrounding greenness calculated as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), tree cover, and park proximity—averaged across the residential history for the year prior to outcome assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for individual, household, and neighborhood-level confounders across multiple domains. Effect modification by neighborhood socioeconomic conditions was explored using multiplicative interaction terms.ResultsChildren were on average 4.2 years (range 3.8-6.0) at outcome assessment. Among CANDLE mothers, 65% self-identified as Black, 29% as White, and 6% as another or multiple races; 41% had at least a college degree. Higher residential surrounding greenness was associated with lower internalizing behavior scores (-0.66 per 0.1 unit higher NDVI; 95% CI: -1.26, -0.07) in fully-adjusted models. The association between tree cover and internalizing behavior was in the hypothesized direction but confidence intervals included the null (-0.29 per 10% higher tree cover; 95% CI: -0.62, 0.04). No associations were observed between park proximity and internalizing behavior. We did not find any associations with externalizing behaviors or the attention problems subscale. Estimates were larger in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic opportunity, but interaction terms were not statistically significant.ConclusionsOur findings add to the accumulating evidence of the importance of residential green space for the prevention of internalizing problems among young children. This research suggests the prioritization of urban green spaces as a resource for child mental health.

Exposure to residential green and blue space and the natural environment is associated with a lower incidence of psychiatric disorders in middle-aged and older adults: findings from the UK Biobank

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence for the role of environmental factors and exposure to the natural environment on a wide range of health outcomes. Whether exposure to green space, blue space, and the natural environment (GBN) is associated with risk of psychiatric disorders in middle-aged and older adults has not been prospectively examined.MethodsLongitudinal data from the UK biobank was used. At the study baseline (2006–2010), 363,047 participants (women: 53.4%; mean age 56.7 ± 8.1 years) who had not been previously diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder were included. Follow-up was achieved by collecting records from hospitals and death registers. Measurements of green and blue space modeled from land use data and natural environment from Land Cover Map were assigned to the residential address for each participant. Cox proportional hazard models with adjustment for potential confounders were used to explore the longitudinal associations between GBN and any psychiatric disorder and then by specific psychiatric disorders (dementia, substance abuse, psychotic disorder, depression, and anxiety) in middle-aged and older adults.ResultsDuring an average follow-up of 11.5 ± 2.8 years, 49,865 individuals were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Compared with the first tertile (lowest) of exposure, blue space at 300 m buffer [hazard ratio (HR): 0.973, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.952–0.994] and natural environment at 300 m buffer (HR: 0.970, 95% CI: 0.948–0.992) and at 1000 m buffer (HR: 0.975, 95% CI: 0.952–0.999) in the third tertile (highest) were significantly associated with lower risk of incident psychiatric disorders, respectively. The risk of incident dementia was statistically decreased when exposed to the third tertile (highest) of green space and natural environment at 1000 m buffer. The third tertile (highest) of green space at 300 m and 1000 m buffer and natural environment at 300 m and 1000 m buffer was associated with a reduction of 30.0%, 31.8%, 21.7%, and 30.3% in the risk of developing a psychotic disorder, respectively. Subgroup analysis suggested that the elderly, men, and those living with some comorbid conditions may derive greater benefits associated with exposure to GBN.ConclusionsThis study suggests that GBN has significant benefits for lowering the risk of psychiatric disorders in middle-aged and older adults. Future studies are warranted to validate these findings and to understand the potential mechanistic pathways underpinning these novel findings.

Estimation for Refined Carbon Storage of Urban Green Space and Minimum Spatial Mapping Scale in a Plain City of China

Current cities are not concrete jungles and deserts with sparse vegetation. Urban green space (UGS) appears widely in human activity areas and plays an important role in improving the human living environment and accumulates carbon storage. However, given the scattered distribution of UGS, studies on both the refined spatial estimation of carbon storage and appropriate mapping scale are still lacking. Taking the downtown area of Kaifeng, China, as the study area, this study verified the i-Tree Eco model on the basis of a field survey and accurately estimated the spatial carbon storage of UGS by combining it with remote sensing data, and finally, we obtained the minimum spatial mapping scale of UGS carbon storage by scaling. The results showed that (1) the total area of UGS in study area was 26.41 km2, of which the proportion of total area of residential area and park green spaces was about 50%. The area of UGS per capita in the study area is 40.49 m2. (2) Within the 123 survey samples, the proportion of communities with tree–shrub–herbs structure was the highest, 51.22%. The average carbon density was 5.89 kg m−2, among which the park, protective and square green spaces had the highest carbon density in all land use types. (3) The total carbon storage of UGS in the study area was 114,389.17 t, and the carbon storage of UGS per capita was 175.39 kg. Furthermore, the scaling analysis showed that 0.25 km spatial resolution was the minimum spatial scale for UGS carbon storage mapping. This study improves our understanding of urban carbon storage, highlights the role and potential of UGS in carbon neutrality, and clarifies the importance of estimating urban carbon storage at appropriate scales. This study is also of great significance for rationally understanding the terrestrial carbon cycle in urban areas and improving regional climate simulations.

Exposure to Residential Green Space and Bone Mineral Density in Young Children

Bone mass accrual is influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. Targeted interventions at the early stages of life might decrease fracture and/or osteoporosis risk later in life. To investigate whether early-life exposure to residential surrounding green space is associated with a change in bone mineral density in young children. In this prospective birth cohort study (ENVIRONAGE [Environmental Influence on Aging in Early Life]), mother-child pairs from Flanders, Belgium, were recruited at birth and followed up for 4 to 6 years, between October 1, 2014, and July 31, 2021. Data analysis was conducted between January and February 2022. Green space was estimated for high green (>3 m vegetation height), low green (≤3 m vegetation height ), and total green (sum of high and low) within several radii (100-3000 m) around the residence after geocoding of the addresses. Radial bone mineral density was assessed using quantitative ultrasound measurement at follow-up, measured as the mean of the axially transmitted speed of sound in meters per second. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used while accounting for relevant covariates and potential confounders. The study population comprised 327 children (180 [55.0%] female; mean [SD] age, 4.6 [0.4] years at the follow-up evaluation). Early-life exposure to residential green space was associated with increased childhood bone health. An IQR increment in total green (21.2%) and high green (19.9%) space within 500 m was associated with an increase of 27.38 m/s (95% CI, 9.63-45.13 m/s) and 25.30 m/s (95% CI, 7.93-42.68 m/s) in bone mineral density, respectively. Additionally, an IQR increase in total (25.2%) and high (23.2%) green space within 1000 m was associated with a 67% (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.61) and 61% (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.18-0.75) lower risk of having a bone density lower than the sex-specific 10th percentile (3567.6 m/s for girls and 3522.8 m/s for boys). In this study of children aged 4 to 6 years, higher bone mineral density and a lower risk of having low bone density were associated with higher residential green space exposure during childhood. These findings highlight the importance of early-life exposure to residential green space on bone health during critical periods of growth and development, with long-term implications.