Nurturing Urban Well-being: embracing urban nature for happiness and health

Urbanization is accelerating, and it is predicted that by 2050, up to 7 billion people will live in cities [2]. Studies also indicate that we have increasingly become disconnected from nature and the essential benefits it provides for our well-being [3].  Of particular importance to our health in cities are urban green spaces (e.g. gardens, groves, and parks) and urban blue (e.g. beaches, rivers, ponds and lakes). Unfortunately, the world's cities are not on a par in this respect, with little green in cities of West Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, for example. On the other hand, in Latin America, for instance, the greenest areas often are in the poorest urban areas, where living conditions for individuals are otherwise poor or challenging [4]. A recent study explored the link between physical activity and nature and found out that living in natural neighbourhoods and having a strong relationship with nature can potentially encourage physical activity. In addition, landscape diversity (a combination of forests, fields, wetlands, and landforms) was associated with overall levels of physical activity among middle-aged people [5]. Besides promoting well-being, a connection to nature significantly correlates with pro-environmental attitudes and actions [6].

Climate change and biodiversity loss will ultimately affect us all and know no national borders, therefore the planet also needs protection for its well-being. Of particular interest is the 3-30-300 recommendation, which suggests that everyone should see at least three trees from their home, and that everyone should have 30% tree canopy cover in their neighbourhood and live within 300 meters of the nearest park or green space [7].  For example, vegetation helps to improve air quality, while abundant and shady trees can reduce problems caused by heat. Increasing the green and blue elements in cities can also help achieve the sustainable development goals to combat climate change and biodiversity loss [8]. 

Well-being and happiness are closely related concepts. One could argue that a high level of well-being often leads to greater happiness, and experiencing happiness can boost one's overall well-being. Finland has just been voted the world’s happiest country for the 7th time [9]. Some argue that the explanation stems from the foundational trust within Finnish society, which fosters a sense of safety and relaxation among its people. Another reason is the proximity of nature and the escape it offers. This interpretation is supported by doctoral research in progress, in which Finnish well-being tourists were asked what makes them happy. Three things stood out: firstly, family, friends, and pets; secondly, nature; and thirdly, rest and relaxation [10]. These quite ordinary and everyday things that make people feel happy are within the reach of most people globally. In conclusion, one could argue that one of the factors contributing to holistic well-being in a city is its diverse urban nature. Therefore, in our SWEPPP project, we need to explore how people living, working and studying in the city can also manage their relationship with nature.   

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Author: Susanna Saari, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland

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References:

[1] https://www.wellbeing4sustainability.eu/ 

[2] UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III). The new urban agenda. New York, NY: United Nations 2016.

[3] Kesebir, S., & Kesebir, P. (2017). A Growing Disconnection From Nature Is Evident in Cultural Products. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(2), 258-269. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691616662473

[4] Hunter et al., (2023). Advancing urban green and blue space contributors to public health. Lancet Public Health 2023; Vol. 8.

[5] Puhakka, S. (2024). Natural residential environment and physical activity in adolescence and midlife: the role of greenness, landscape diversity, and nature relatedness.

[6] Kesebir, S., & Kesebir, P. (2017). A Growing Disconnection From Nature Is Evident in Cultural Products. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(2), 258-269. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691616662473

[7] Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J., Dadvand, P., Márquez, S., Bartoll, X., Barboza, E. P., Cirach, M., & Zijlema, W. L. (2022). The evaluation of the 3-30-300 green space rule and mental health. Environmental research, 215, 114387.

[8] Tate, C., Wang, R., Akaraci, S., Burns, C., Garcia, L., Clarke, M., & Hunter, R. (2024). The contribution of urban green and blue spaces to the United Nation's sustainable development goals: an evidence gap map. Cities, 145, 104706.

[9] https://worldhappiness.report/

[10] Saari, S., Grénman, M., & Varhelahti, M. (2023). The relationships between happiness, wellness tourist motivation, and tourism destination among Finnish wellness travellers: insights from the world’s “happiest nation”. International journal of Spa and Wellness, 6(3), 305-328.

Image Source: Turku UAS

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Publication Date: 02.05.2024