How much would the Government save in health costs per year if everyone in England had access to green spaces? £2.1 billion!!!!
Actions to protect, restore and regenerate natural biodiversity through redesigning urban areas and in NHS sites are needed for better human, environment and climate health.
A new report by the UK Health Alliance explains why:
The new report identifies that ‘Currently, 84% of the UK population lives in towns and cities and this is projected to increase further over the next few years.’
The built environment affects both physical and mental health. Air pollution, heat, and lack of infrastructure that supports physical activity and connection with nature have both direct and indirect consequences for health. In the UK, inequalities in access to green space for exercise and recreation, combined with higher levels of air pollution in the most socioeconomically deprived areas, threaten the physical and mental health of millions of adults and children.
Well-managed, high-quality green and blue spaces in urban environments can both enhance biodiversity and restore nature bringing multiple health benefits.
Many Froglife projects focus on habitat restoration and creation for reptiles and amphibians but involve communities, often those in inner city locations, from socioeconomically deprived areas or with existing health issues such as dementia, in our work, demonstrating the value of amphibians in particular as links to wildlife and the environment.
This new report has 7 recommendations calling on the UK government to tackle the current biodiversity crisis and make a difference to our health.
You can read the report in full here.
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Posted On: 05/10/2023