Speaker
Description
The work is part of the European Union-Next Generation EU funded research on Urban green infrastructure, policies related to green spaces, and health outcomes. Starting from a dialogue among town planners, geographers, and public health specialists, the project examines potential relationships between specific diseases and the spatial organization of green areas in several medium-sized Italian cities.
The relationship between human health and green areas has been a significant factor in urban planning since the identification of the negative effects of urbanization since the industrial revolution (Benevolo, 1963). Green areas can contribute to health through two main mechanisms: the mitigation of environmental exposures (improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, reduced urban heat island effect) and health-promoting functions (increased physical activity, reduced stress, enhanced social cohesion, improved immune function) (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2016). The introduction and enhancement of urban green spaces have been shown to positively affect people’s well-being (Grant et al., 2012; Mitchell & Popham, 2007), physical activity levels (Astell-Burt et al., 2014), morbidity and mortality rates (Bauwelinck et al., 2021), and resilience to climate change impacts (Sandifer et al., 2015; Kingsley, 2019). Most epidemiological research, however, has only considered the presence or absence of green spaces, neglecting their quality (Zijlema et al., 2020).
Starting from these premises, this paper aims to investigate the characteristics of green areas in order to define their quality. The equitable distribution of green spaces - considering factors such as green vigor, accessibility, distance, proximity to urban settings, and green space per capita - is then analyzed, divided into three main categories: urban parks, agricultural areas, and forest areas. In particular, the study will focus on several cities in two Italian Regions (Tuscany and Lazio), examining the distribution, quality, and quantity of urban green spaces. The classification and mapping of the green area system will be conducted using GIS software, indicators, and data such as NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), LST (Land Surface Temperature), woodland coefficient, and degree of soil sealing. The analysis of the urban green system will be presented through exposure maps, with NDVI data calculated on a regional basis to determine the availability of green areas (both public and private) in different parts of the cities, thereby assessing citizens’ exposure to green spaces. Proximity maps, using official and OSM data, will distinguish between urban parks, agricultural areas, and forest areas. The analysis will also examine accessibility to green spaces. This type of analysis, applied to several medium-sized cities, will provide valuable insights for reinterpreting the policies adopted by various municipalities and understanding the role attributed to green areas in terms of human health and climate change mitigation.
The contribution aims to highlight the role that green areas play in human health, taking into account the differences across the cities analyzed based on the distribution of green spaces and their proximity to urban areas. It seeks to provide a mapping of green space categories in different urban contexts to identify the health benefits they offer, shedding light on inequalities in the distribution of these areas, and examining how policies are addressing these challenges. The results of this work may be useful in strengthening the actions included in climate change adaptation strategies and urban plans that recognize a relevant role for green areas.
References
Astell-Burt T, Feng X, Kolt GS (2014), “Green space is associated with walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in middle-to-older-aged adults: findings from 203 883 Australians in the 45 and Up Study”, in British Journal of Sports Medicine; n. 48
Bauwelinck M. et al (2021), “Residing in urban areas with higher green space is associated with lower mortality risk: A census-based cohort study with ten years of follow-up”, in Environ Int.
Benevolo L. (1963), Le origini dell’urbanistica moderna, Roma-Bari: Universale Laterza.
Grant M et al (2012), “Health inequalities and determinants in the physical urban environment: Evidence briefing”, WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Urban Environments, University of the West of England, Bristol
Mitchell R, Popham F. (2007), “Greenspace, urbanity and health:relationships in England”, in Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, n. 61(8)
Sandifer PA, et al. (2015), “Exploring connections among nature, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health and well-being: Opportunities to enhance health and biodiversity conservation”, in Ecosystem Services, n. 12.
WHO Regional Office for Europe (2016), “Urban green spaces and health”, Copenhagen
Zijlema WL, et al. (2020), “Understanding correlates of neighborhood aesthetic ratings: A European-based Four City comparison”, in Urban For Urban Green, n. 47
| Keywords | green areas; public health; accessibility; medium-sized city; climate change |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
