Human well-being and nature are inextricably linked. Parks, natural areas, and neighborhood green spaces improve our quality of life and provide numerous health, social, economic, and ecological benefits to individuals and communities.
For instance, by cooling cities that experience the “urban heat island effect”, street trees and healthy urban forests make urban areas more climate resilient and equitable while also increasing biodiversity, absorbing stormwater, improving air quality, and providing access to nature.
An expanding collection of scientific literature confirms the positive relationships between nature exposure and improved physical and psychological health. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and increase physical activity, among other favorable outcomes. The benefits of spending time outdoors extend to children too: experiences in nature can help kids alleviate stress and even improve concentration and academic performance.
Living Near Nature is Linked to Lower Healthcare Costs • The National Wildlife Federation Blog
For instance, by cooling cities that experience the “urban heat island effect”, street trees and healthy urban forests make urban areas more climate resilient and equitable while also increasing biodiversity, absorbing stormwater, improving air quality, and providing access to nature.
An expanding collection of scientific literature confirms the positive relationships between nature exposure and improved physical and psychological health. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and increase physical activity, among other favorable outcomes. The benefits of spending time outdoors extend to children too: experiences in nature can help kids alleviate stress and even improve concentration and academic performance.
Living Near Nature is Linked to Lower Healthcare Costs • The National Wildlife Federation Blog
