Database

This study explored how urban greenspace affects the relationship between high temperatures and violent crime in Chicago from 2001 to 2023. Using data from ZIP codes and various greenspace indicators, researchers found that violent crime increased by 8% on hotter days (80th temperature percentile vs. 10th). However, areas with more vegetation—especially higher tree coverage and vegetation density—showed significantly lower risks of heat-related violent crime. The findings suggest that greenspace may help reduce the impact of heat on violent crime and should be considered in urban planning efforts.

Attention Restoration Theory posits that urban environments place high demand on our attentional systems, which can fatigue over time and lead to impairments in performance. On the contrary, natural environments are proposed to visually engage our attention but in a less demanding way, allowing for the recuperation of attentional resources and subsequent improvements in attentional performance. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these varying attentional demands remain poorly understood. The current study utilized electroencephalography (EEG) to explore attention-related brain activity when individuals view images of nature and urban environments

This study explores how Indian immigrants in Atlanta perceive the impact of urban greenspaces on their mental health. Through interviews with 35 participants and thematic analysis, researchers found both positive and negative effects, including feelings of happiness, relaxation, and belonging, as well as occasional sadness. Factors such as access to greenspace, cultural and religious practices, and the physical environment influenced these perceptions. A strong sense of place attachment also emerged as significant. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating the unique socio-cultural experiences of Indian immigrants into urban greenspace planning and mental health initiatives.

Brief based on the work by Jay Maddock and Nooshin Razani 'Nature Contact as a Health Behavior: Steps to Maturing the Field'

What keeps people from following doctors’ orders to spend more time in nature? A new international study uncovers key barriers—from weather to social support—facing participants in nature prescription programs across five countries, with surprising trends by age, education, and income.

This systematic review examines the connection between human health and biodiversity through the traditional use of stingless bee products. Analyzing 1128 studies from 2000 to 2024, the review focuses on the therapeutic potential of stingless bee honey and propolis for treating common diseases in Mexico, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and COVID-19. The findings show that products from 28 bee species may help treat 8 of the 19 most widespread illnesses in the country. The study emphasizes the value of traditional knowledge and meliponiculture in supporting both community health and biodiversity conservation.

This study addresses the need for ecosystem service indicators that reflect both ecological and socio-cultural values, particularly in Indigenous contexts. Working with Indigenous communities in northern Australia, the authors co-developed a set of integrated indicators and assessment tools. A literature review revealed existing indicators focus mostly on ecological aspects and often overlook Indigenous perspectives. Through focus groups with Traditional Owners and community members, 16 relevant indicators were identified that capture cultural, ecological, and economic priorities. The resulting framework supports local empowerment and can be adapted to different contexts, helping guide policy, resource management, and nature-based solutions globally.

This study explores the link between urban tree health and adult depression across ten U.S. cities. While past research has focused broadly on tree canopy, this study looks at specific tree characteristics like crown dieback and damage. Using depression data from the CDC and tree data from the Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, the researchers found a significant association between higher levels of tree crown dieback and increased adult depression. These findings highlight the potential importance of tree condition in urban planning and public health strategies.

This study examines the role of environmental education in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. While education is the focus of SDG4, the research highlights its broader impact on goals related to poverty, health, gender equality, natural resources, and climate change. Using surveys, open-ended questions, and literature review, the study shows that environmental education supports progress across multiple SDGs by raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices. The paper calls for integrating environmental education into school curricula, lifelong learning, and policy frameworks to build more resilient and sustainable societies.

This study reveals that environmental factors, or the "exposome," have a greater overall impact on aging and premature death than genetics. Analyzing UK Biobank data, researchers identified 25 key exposures linked to mortality and biological aging. While genetics played a stronger role in some cancers and dementias, environmental factors were more influential in heart, lung, and liver diseases—highlighting the powerful role of lifestyle and environment in shaping aging and disease risk.

This study explores how being in nature affects how the brain processes rewards. Researchers used EEG to measure brain activity related to reward sensitivity during a gambling task. In one experiment, participants spent four days immersed in nature; in another, they viewed images of nature. Only the group immersed in nature showed reduced brain responses to monetary rewards. This suggests that real-life exposure to nature may shift focus away from external rewards like money and toward internal motivations, highlighting a unique effect of actual nature experiences on the brain.

This paper proposes a new framework for developing nature positive smart cities by integrating ecological principles with advanced technologies in a socio technical ecological system. Drawing on recent literature, it combines the goals of smart cities and nature positive cities using tools such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data to enhance urban biodiversity and ecosystem services. The authors highlight the need for education among local government staff and offer examples, recommendations, and policy suggestions to support the transition toward a biodiversity led urban future.

The Green Corridors Plan, launched by the Barcelona City Council, seeks to improve urban well-being and sustainability by converting one in every three streets into green corridors. While only the first phase in the central Eixample district has been completed, the full citywide rollout is delayed. This study evaluates the potential health benefits of implementing the plan across the entire city, particularly the effects of increased greenery and reduced temperatures on mortality.

This systematic review examines the growing threat of water pollution caused by human activities and its impact on ecosystems and human health. It classifies various types of water pollutants and analyzes their effects on aquatic life, soil, plants, and people. Using recent literature from multiple databases up to September 2024, the study highlights how pollutants contribute to serious health issues such as neurological, reproductive, and endocrine disorders. The review emphasizes the need for stronger preventive policies and the development of cost-effective and advanced technologies to ensure safe and clean water for all.

This study explores the effectiveness and expectations of environmental education in schools, focusing on teachers in Palembang, Indonesia. Using questionnaires with 100 teachers, the research found that while schools have implemented environmental education, its impact often does not meet expectations. Teachers have high hopes for schools to embed environmental values into their vision, mission, and curriculum, and to support related programs. They also seek ongoing training to improve their knowledge and skills, and aim to act as role models for students. Teachers expect students to apply what they learn about the environment in their daily lives. The study recommends that schools strengthen environmental education through integrated programs and that teachers receive regular professional development and opportunities to collaborate.

This study explores how mountain ecosystem services support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By reviewing 114 key research papers from 2008 to 2022, the authors examined the connections between mountain ecosystems and specific SDGs. They found that 12 goals and 66 targets are significantly linked to these services, especially in areas like health, sustainable cities, climate action, and biodiversity. The study highlights research gaps in underexplored goals and regional differences in focus. A sustainable management model is proposed to help policymakers tailor strategies based on local mountain characteristics and development priorities.

This study explored the experiences of high-achieving low-income high school students in a weekend outdoor adventure program designed to build leadership. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: growth, connectedness, and team building. Findings support previous research and offer guidance for future practice and study.

This study examined how walking in nature versus an urban setting affects mood and brain activity related to attention. Participants took a 40-minute walk in either environment, with physical conditions closely matched. Both groups reported improved mood, but those who walked in nature experienced a greater increase in positive affect. EEG data showed higher frontal midline theta activity—linked to attentional effort—after urban walks, suggesting urban environments demand more executive attention. In contrast, lower activity after nature walks indicates that natural settings may allow the brain’s attention systems to rest.

This work outlines the suggested steps for maturing the emergent field of nature and health, drawing parallels from the physical activity playbook developed in the 1990s..

Urban planning plays a key role in public health, particularly in addressing cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in cities worldwide. This literature review examines how features of the built environment, especially green spaces and walkability, influence heart health. Studies show that neighborhoods with accessible parks and safe, walkable streets are linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease. The findings support urban planning strategies that prioritize green infrastructure and walkable design to improve cardiovascular health and overall quality of life for city residents.