Abberford Park - Borehamwood, UK China has launched a global scientific research program to examine the unintended consequences of urban policies on human health and wellbeing.
The majority of people now live in towns and cities and the global urban population is growing by an estimated one million people each week. The total could exceed six billion people by the end of the century. However, to do so, they face a number of health risks, such as air pollution. This environment separates them from rural areas and any contact with animals, birds and the trees which purify the air.
The majority of people now live in towns and cities and the global urban population is growing by an estimated one million people each week. The total could exceed six billion people by the end of the century. However, to do so, they face a number of health risks, such as air pollution. This environment separates them from rural areas and any contact with animals, birds and the trees which purify the air.
A spokesman told BBC News: "When we take an overview, urban areas are very important determinates of health.
"The way we live on a day-to-day basis in cities affects our health in so many ways, whether it is the air that we breath, or the fact that many people in cities around the world are very sedentary (sitting at a desk in an office or sitting in a car to get to and from work) - and many people are also eating very unhealthy foods.
"We are facing global epidemics of non-communicable diseases - heart disease, diabetes and so on - and mental health problems. We are also seeing the health impact of climate change, such as heat-stress in cities and changes in the distribution of infectious vector-borne diseases."
Cities are really about people not education or employment. The people who are attracted to live in urban areas should have plenty of open spaces where they can walk and relax. Just looking at different flowers can sooth the mind.
How many health risks are people willing to take for the benefits that come with urban lives?
pic: The world’s largest eco-city rising from wastelands in China. http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120503-sustainable-cities-on-the-rise
How many health risks are people willing to take for the benefits that come with urban lives?
pic: The world’s largest eco-city rising from wastelands in China. http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120503-sustainable-cities-on-the-rise
Aldenham Reservoir, Elstree, Hertfordshire UK I'm lucky to live in Elstree, Hertfordshire. I'm surrounded by fields and trees with not another building in sight. Horses graze on the land beyond a tall stand of trees at the front. Over the hill, lies Aldenham Reservoir. At the back, frost covers horse paddocks leading to stands of trees on the horizon. The only thing I could wish for is a view of water. But heck, a stream of vehicles pass by my front door. Depending on how blocked my ears are, the motors leave a pleasant swish not unlike waves breaking on the shore. (Yeah, in my dreams.) There are plenty of parks close by and several stands of water.
But not everyone lives amongst nature. They might live in a tower block with no parks in sight. Or perhaps they're surrounded by slums. An occasional weed poking from between the hard-packed ground could be their only reminder of a natural life.
Are your surroundings pleasant?
But not everyone lives amongst nature. They might live in a tower block with no parks in sight. Or perhaps they're surrounded by slums. An occasional weed poking from between the hard-packed ground could be their only reminder of a natural life.
Are your surroundings pleasant?
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