The concept of "nature-based solutions" suggests that urban natural environments could become a public health toolThe purpose of this review of reviews was to evaluate the evidence on public health benefits of exposure to natural environments and to explore how this evidence might relate to nature-based solutions (NBS). NBS refers to actions inspired by, supported by, or copied from nature designed to address a range of environmental challenges. Examples of NBS applied to urban environments include ecosystem restoration, greening of grey surfaces (e.g., green rooftops, green brownfields, etc.), and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures (e.g., natural flood control, constructed wetlands, etc.). This review sought to determine if the NBS concept could be used for urban planning in promoting human health and preventing disease.
Thirteen studies met the predefined inclusion criteria of this systematic review of the literature which focused on associations between public health and natural environments in relation to either pathways to health or defined health outcomes. Pathways included both sociobehavioural/cultural ecosystem services (e.g., stress, physical activity, affects and emotions, overweight/obesity, and social cohesion) and regulating ecosystem services (e.g. reductions in heat, noise, and air pollution). Health outcomes included mortality related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), mental health, and well-being. For children, birth weight and outcomes relating to mental health and well-being were addressed in the reviews. Other health outcomes for children that have been studied in relation to natural environments -- such as children's early and cognitive development, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), depression and asthma -- were not addressed in any of the included reviews. To address this gap, the authors suggested that future research should include examining the effect of NBS on subpopulations, including children and ethnic minorities.
This systematic review found strong evidence for green space being effective in improving affect in people and reducing heat in urban environments, thus reducing the risk of CVD-related mortality. While other health-related benefits of green space were addressed, they were not found to be strongly supported. Yet, there was enough evidence to suggest that NBS -- if implemented by city planners -- could promote the health and well-being of urban residents. The concept of NBS indicates that urban natural environments could serve as a public health tool.
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