If current global trends are correct, around 2025 41 million people Will die from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and serious mental illness – which account for about 74 percent of all deaths globally. Despite major advances in medicine over the past few decades, the death toll from NCDs is still rising.
Urbanization is a major factor in the increase of NCDs: Research clearly shows People who live in urban areas without access to green spaces have a higher incidence of NCDs. Given that by 2050, two out of every three people likely to live in cities, these trends are extremely worrying.
On the other hand, there have been several recent population-level studies in cities around the world prompt people who live green area Not only are the NCD rates lower but the materiality is also much better mental healthThis relationship remains statistically strong regardless of the individual's socio-economic status, age, or gender. In fact, the evidence for this relationship is so strong that, in 2022, 196 countries United Nations Conference of the Parties to Biological Diversity Signed an international treaty, part of which included a commitment to significantly increase urban green space by 2030.
What is it about green spaces that confers resistance to NCDs? More opportunities for exercise, cleaner air, and less heat stress have all been cited as reasons – with evidence to support some role for urban vegetation in these relationships.
Importantly, there is also strong scientific evidence that shows that when we interact directly with nature, biochemical pathways are triggered in our bodies that result in important outcomes. beneficial health effectsThis topic of research began with a group of Japanese scientists trying to determine the actual benefits of forest bathing.shinrin-yokuThe evidence they found was so impressive that currently, in Japan, patients with some NCDs are given medication, rather than medication. spending time sitting in the woods,
The good news is that we can get similar health benefits with urban green spaces and indoor vegetation. Clinical experiments show that something is as simple as having a vase of unscented roses For example, at your desk, can significantly lower your blood pressure and provide physical and psychological peace. You may also have leafy plants in your home and office, especially those with green and yellow leaves.