by: Julianne Boulton
The number of people who live in urban environments has been rapidly increasing for the past few decades. The United Nations recently predicted that by 2030 the global urban population would have reached almost 5 billion. This means that current urban planning strategies are of utmost importance for the future.
The importance of creating green space in urban areas is not a new topic. Many studies from the past 40 years or so have shown that green spaces in urban areas are vital for human well-being. New studies continue to endorse this thinking and also to add more to our understanding of how green urban areas can help. Green Cities: Good Health is an useful review of these benefits that you might want to check out for yourself.
Many past studies have shown that green urban areas offer many mental health benefits such as reduced stress that can lead to increased physical well-being. A 2013 study has shown that not only does moving to a greener urban area increase mental health, but also that this increased level of mental health lasts for a prolonged period of time.
Urban green areas don’t have to be limited to parks on the ground. Green roofs can also contribute to increased urban greenery especially in places where ground for trees to grow is scarce. A study found that roof-top gardens can play an important role in thermal insulation of buildings that are situated in areas that experience very hot summers. This can help reduce the amount of energy that is needed for air-conditioning.
Another interesting find by some recent studies was a benefit that is not easily thought of. Urban green spaces have been found to be associated with a decrease in crime rates. A study conducted in Philadelphia found that crimes rates, especially that of robberies and assaults were lower in areas where grass, trees and shrubs were found. Another similar study found that the presence of large street trees were most important in reducing rates of crime. The researchers think that the presence of large trees on the street signaled to a prospective criminal that the neighborhood was cared for and that getting caught would be more likely.
With the rapid technological advancement that has occurred in recent times, some might think that we could use images of nature to provide the same benefits that actually viewing nature would give us. Unfortunately, a 2008 study has shown that technology cannot replace nature. The study showed that watching nature through technology is just as effective as watching a blank wall and does not give the benefits that come by actually witnessing nature.
The list of benefits of green space in urban areas is growing and there is no substitute for the real deal. How this information is used in urban planning will greatly impact the future of humankind globally.