Science for Environment Policy is a study published by the European Commission, arguing that greener cities and more exercise could reduce urban mortality rates. With 70% of people globally projected to live in urban environments by 2050, this trend needed to be studied and evaluated.
The case focused on Barcelona, showing that the majority of adults in the city are not physically active enough and aspects such as temperature change, air pollution, and daytime noise levels all have a significant negative impact on the lives of urban populations.
Researchers found that with more exercise, less pollution, and lower noise levels 2,904 deaths could be prevented annually. Policies which could address these issues are crucial for the future well being of urban populations, and fortunately many are within reach.
An example of this would be to evaluate the city planning of Barcelona, and make some strategic adjustments which could make a significant impact. Policies could include the limiting of cars in the city center, which would cut air pollution and day time noise problems. Alongside this, the city could use some of its reclaimed public space in order to plant more trees, create additional public parks, and overall increase the urban greenery. This would have a natural cooling effect on the city by protecting buildings and asphalt surfaces from heating up during the day. as well as decreasing CO2 in the atmosphere through the natural processes of plants.
By creating a cooler city with an abundance of parks and green areas, physical activity will be naturally encouraged among the population, who will have better incentives to go outside for walks, runs or to play with their children.
This research is crucial to understanding the forces that impact our lives, and to arming ourselves with knowledge to work within our communities to improve the well-being of the majority, and address preventable illness.
To learn more about this study from the European Commission, click the box below.