Biodiversity of urban green spaces and human health: a systematic review of recent research

Chia Ching Wu, Joy O’Keefe, Yizhen Ding, William C. Sullivan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Although recent studies have explored links between landscape biodiversity and human health, the exact effects of specific types of biodiversity—such as the variety of species or genera—on health outcomes are still uncertain. In this review, we evaluate our current knowledge of how landscape biodiversity influences human health in different cultural contexts. We systematically assessed peer-reviewed literature to: 1) summarize the links between biodiversity variability and human health outcomes; 2) describe the pathways used to examine these links; 3) compare subjective perceptions of biodiversity with objective measures; and 4) describe any known connections between perceived biodiversity and health outcomes. We analyzed 41 studies published between 2018 and 2023, covering research from 15 countries on five continents. A key finding was the lack of significant links between biodiversity variability, like species richness, and health outcomes; only one-third of studies reported positive health effects. We identified two main pathways: restoring health capacities (mental health) and building health capacities (physical health). The public could identify different biodiversity levels, with perceived biodiversity correlating with health. Future research should explore varied mechanisms, physical health outcomes, causal relationships, and effects across diverse populations and regions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1467568
JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Volume12
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Keywords

  • health and well-being
  • perceptions of urban green space
  • species richness
  • urban biodiversity
  • urban nature exposure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology

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