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Nature-based citizen science as a mechanism to improve human health in urban areas
- Source :
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 19, Iss 68, p 68 (2022), International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Publication Year :
- 2022
- Publisher :
- MDPI AG : Switzerland, 2022.
-
Abstract
- Refereed/Peer-reviewed The world is becoming increasingly urbanised, impacting human interactions with natural environments (NEs). NEs take a number of forms, ranging from pristine, modified, to built NEs, which are common in many urban areas. NEs may include nature-based solutions, such as introducing nature elements and biological processes into cities that are used to solve problems created by urbanisation. Whilst urbanisation has negative impacts on human health, impacting mental and physical wellbeing through a number of mechanisms, exposure to NEs may improve human health and wellbeing. Here, we review the mechanisms by which health can be improved by exposure to NEs, as explained by Stress Reduction Theory, Attention Restoration Theory, and the ‘Old Friends’/biodiversity hypothesis. Such exposures may have physiological and immunological benefits, mediated through endocrine pathways and altered microbiota. Citizen Science, which often causes exposure to NEs and social activity, is being increasingly used to not only collect scientific data but also to engage individuals and communities. Despite being a named component of scientific and environmental strategies of governments, to our knowledge, the intrinsic health benefits of Citizen Science in NEs do not form part of public health policy. We contend that Citizen Science programs that facilitate exposure to NEs in urban areas may represent an important public health policy advance.
- Subjects :
- natural environments
urbanisation
Citizen Science
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
viruses
public health
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Public Policy
Review
Biodiversity
environment and public health
citizen science
Humans
Medicine
lipids (amino acids, peptides, and proteins)
Cities
policy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 19, Iss 68, p 68 (2022), International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....e458d1779c51a47643b0c49a7b437fb6