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Abstract:
Over the past decade, a growing number of studies have linked urban green space and aspects of biodiversity with emotional wellbeing. Although the existing body of epidemiological work has been very encouraging—collectively providing a strong argument that access to areas rich in vegetation, bodies of water, or both is important for mental health—much of the research relies heavily on cross-sectional designs. Thus, the translation and application of existing research to policy and planning decisions has been hampered by the scarcity of prospective evidence of natural environments as a causative factor in promoting mental health resilience. In The Lancet Planetary Health, Andrew Tomita and colleagues1strengthen this evidence by combining satellite-measurements of green space with depression outcomes in a large population in South Africa followed up over time.
Globally, urbanisation is advancing at a rapid pace, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Decision makers, and the communities they represent, have much to consider when planning ahead for the arrival of an estimated 1·35 billion additional people to cities around the world within the next 15 years.2 Choices made today will undoubtedly affect personal, public, and planetary health. There is therefore a tremendous need for policy and practice to be driven by the best available evidence.