Green spaces: sectoral solutions for air pollution and health: technical brief
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World Health Organization
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14 p.
This technical brief examines the role of green spaces as a complementary strategy for improving air quality and promoting public health. Developed within the WHO Air Quality, Energy and Health Science and Policy Summaries series, the document reviews evidence linking exposure to green spaces with physical, mental and social health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced anxiety and depression, increased physical activity and reduced loneliness. It describes how vegetation may contribute to reducing exposure to air pollution through mechanisms such as pollutant deposition, modification, dispersion and reduced desertification, while emphasizing that the effectiveness of green spaces depends on factors including vegetation type, biodiversity, design, location and climatic conditions. The brief also discusses potential unintended consequences associated with poorly designed green infrastructure, such as restricted air flow, pollen exposure and increased formation of certain pollutants. It highlights the importance of integrating green space interventions within broader air pollution reduction and climate resilience strategies, while ensuring equitable access for vulnerable and marginalized populations. Recommendations are provided for urban planning, stakeholder engagement, monitoring, health impact assessment and research to support evidence-based implementation of green infrastructure and maximize environmental and health co-benefits.
This technical brief examines the role of green spaces as a complementary strategy for improving air quality and promoting public health. Developed within the WHO Air Quality, Energy and Health Science and Policy Summaries series, the document reviews evidence linking exposure to green spaces with physical, mental and social health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced anxiety and depression, increased physical activity and reduced loneliness. It describes how vegetation may contribute to reducing exposure to air pollution through mechanisms such as pollutant deposition, modification, dispersion and reduced desertification, while emphasizing that the effectiveness of green spaces depends on factors including vegetation type, biodiversity, design, location and climatic conditions. The brief also discusses potential unintended consequences associated with poorly designed green infrastructure, such as restricted air flow, pollen exposure and increased formation of certain pollutants. It highlights the importance of integrating green space interventions within broader air pollution reduction and climate resilience strategies, while ensuring equitable access for vulnerable and marginalized populations. Recommendations are provided for urban planning, stakeholder engagement, monitoring, health impact assessment and research to support evidence-based implementation of green infrastructure and maximize environmental and health co-benefits.
Keywords
Plants, Parks, Recreational, Conservation of Natural Resources, Urban Health, Air Pollution, Air Pollutants, Soil Erosion, Dust, Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental Pollutants, Environmental Exposure, Environmental Health, Environmental Monitoring, Insurance Benefits, Mental Health, Cardiovascular Diseases, Exercise, Health Behavior, Health Policy, Environmental Policy, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Climate Change, Public Health, Ozone, Climate Change, Public Health, prevention and control, adverse effects, methods