What If We Never Explore Nature?
Created By RISC | 9 months ago
Last modified date : 9 months ago
According to World Bank data, more people are relocating to cities. Urban population is set to soar from 56% in 2019 to 60% in 2030 and 75% in 2050.
People moving to cities for work suffer physically and mentally from air, water, and noise pollution as well as traffic congestion. Overcrowding can aggravate health hazards such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, infertility, and low immunity.
So how to live and work better in cities?
A WHO report suggests simple strategies to lower the risk of such diseases by exploring natural areas.
Natural settings have 4 characteristics that can benefit our health:
• Stress Reduction
• Enhanced Physical Activity
• Greater Social Cohesion
• Improved Air Quality
Forest bathing involves exploring a natural area by walking slowly and focusing on your surroundings through 5 senses: visual, sound, smell, touch, and taste (read more at https://www.risc.in.th/th/knowledge/forest-bathing-healing-from-nature).
RISC has been analyzing and doing research on how scientific knowledge improves pleasure. Forest bathing helps us investigate building and understand urban green spaces. The study's findings will be used to build green places that boost physical and mental health while improving quality of life.
Story by: Thanawat Jinjaruk, Senior Researcher, Environment Division and Urban Environmental & Biodiversity Engineer, RISC
References:
Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., DE Vries, S. & Frumkin, H. 2014. Nature and Health. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 207‐228.
The World Economic Forum. BiodiverCities by 2030: Transforming Cities’ Relationship with Nature, 2022.
WHO Regional Office for Europe. Urban green spaces and health. 2016.
World Bank, Urban Development Overview, 2021, ttps://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/overview#1.