Biodiversity and human health: A scoping review and examples of underrepresented linkages

Environmental Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 246, P. 118115 - 118115

Published: Jan. 9, 2024

Mounting evidence supports the connections between exposure to environmental typologies––such as green spaces––and human health. However, mechanistic links that connect biodiversity (the variety of life) and health, extent supporting remain less clear. Here, we undertook a scoping review map health summarise levels associated using an established weight framework. Distinct from other reviews, provide additional context regarding environment-microbiome-health axis, evaluate buffering pathway (e.g., impacts on air pollution), examples three under- or minimally-represented linkages. The are (1) Indigenous Peoples' (2) urban social equity, (3) COVID-19. We observed moderate level support microbiota-human moderate-high broader nature pathways greenspace) various outcomes, stress reduction enhanced wellbeing improved cohesion. studies did not typically include specific metrics, indicating clear research gaps. Further is required understand causative metrics such taxonomy, diversity/richness, structure, function) outcomes. There well-established frameworks assess effects broad classifications These can assist future in linking Our underrepresented linkages highlight roles its loss lived experiences, infectious diseases, sovereignty livelihoods. More awareness these socioecological interconnections needed.

Language: Английский

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Nature and human well-being: The olfactory pathway

Science Advances, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 10(20)

Published: May 15, 2024

The world is undergoing massive atmospheric and ecological change, driving unprecedented challenges to human well-being. Olfaction a key sensory system through which these impacts occur. sense of smell influences quality satisfaction with life, emotion, emotion regulation, cognitive function, social interactions, dietary choices, stress, depressive symptoms. Exposures via the olfactory pathway can also lead (anti-)inflammatory outcomes. Increased understanding needed regarding ways in odorants generated by nature (i.e., natural environments) affect With perspectives from range health, social, sciences, we provide an overview this unique system, four consensus statements olfaction environment, conceptual framework that integrates into effects environments on We then discuss how contribute better accounting policy land-use decision-making and, turn, planetary health.

Language: Английский

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Connecting through nature: A systematic review of the effectiveness of nature-based social prescribing practices to combat loneliness

Landscape and Urban Planning, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 248, P. 105071 - 105071

Published: April 11, 2024

Loneliness is increasingly recognized as an urgent public health issue due to its impact on mental and physical health, well-being. Yet, we lack comprehensive, proven strategies for confronting this global problem. There evidence that contact with nature greenspace reduces loneliness by facilitating belonging, social connections, cohesion. This review aimed explore whether such positive outcomes can be enhanced via group-based interventions in nature. We used a mixed-methods systematic approach evaluate characterize literature nature-based their effectiveness reducing loneliness. included all age groups, populations or without reported problems. Using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, assessed quality of qualitative, quantitative mixed methods studies. The 38 studies identified describe wide variety target groups. mostly small sample sizes moderate effects. qualitative studies, however, showed more clearly these reduce Group-based activities including natural elements cultivated connectedness which are key mechanisms Specifically, longer greater promise. Policy practice recommendations include screening, need precisely, intervention over time. provides perspectives inform policymakers, urban planners, researchers how alleviate feelings By linking landscapes concerns, municipalities further promote amplify value public.

Language: Английский

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Microbial biodiversity and plant functional trait interactions in multifunctional ecosystems

Applied Soil Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 201, P. 105515 - 105515

Published: July 2, 2024

Language: Английский

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Biodiversity and Health in the Urban Environment

Current Environmental Health Reports, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 8(2), P. 146 - 156

Published: May 12, 2021

Abstract Purpose of review Biodiversity underpins urban ecosystem functions that are essential for human health and well-being. Understanding how biodiversity relates to is a developing frontier science, policy practice. This article describes the beneficial, as well harmful, aspects in environments. Recent findings research shows contact with natural environments within towns cities can be both positive negative physical, mental social For example, while viruses or pollen seriously harmful health, biodiverse ecosystems promote On balance, these influences positive. As declining at an unprecedented rate, suggests its loss could threaten quality life all humans. Summary A key gap understand—and evidence—the specific causal pathways through which affects health. mechanistic understanding linking facilitate application nature-based solutions public influence policy. Research integration cross-sector planning development should harness opportunities better identify linkages between biodiversity, climate Given importance conservation considered investment.

Language: Английский

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