Ed Morrison · Benefits of Nature in the City

July 8th, 2010

This web site provides an overview of the scientific evidence of human health and well-being benefits provided by urban forestry and urban greening.

Benefits Science: Recent research has revealed the environmental benefits provided by metro nature, such as improved air and water quality, energy savings, and reduced urban heat island effects. The social sciences provide additional evidence of benefits. Nearly 40 years of research shows that the experience of nature is profoundly important to human functioning, health, and well-being.

Human Health and Well-Being Benefits: We may intuitively accept that urban nature is important for public health. This web site presents supporting evidence, confirming intuitions and expanding our knowledge. Given the high population densities of urban areas, every bit of nearby nature has the potential to benefit hundreds to thousands of people daily.

Planning for Nature: People have long recognized that nature in cities and towns provides beauty and respite. However city green improves public health – ranging from individuals to entire communities. Taken as a whole, metro nature is a “green infrastructure” system that can be planned and integrated with built systems (such as transportation and housing) to create more sustainable urban environments.

The site includes interesting research, such as:

  • 7% higher rental rates for commercial offices having high quality landscapes;
  • Shoppers claim that they will spend 9% to 12% more for goods and services in central business districts having high quality tree canopy; and
  • # The presence of larger trees in yards and as street trees can add from 3% to 15% to home values throughout neighborhoods.

    • Green Cities, Good Health

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