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Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Kathleen L. Wolf

    (School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, College of the Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA)

  • Sharon T. Lam

    (Ontario Climate Consortium Secretariat, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Toronto, ON L4K 5R6, Canada)

  • Jennifer K. McKeen

    (Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada (Government of Canada), Vancouver, BC V6B 5J3, Canada)

  • Gregory R.A. Richardson

    (Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Health Canada (Government of Canada), Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X2, Canada)

  • Matilda van den Bosch

    (School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
    Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada)

  • Adrina C. Bardekjian

    (Engagement and Research, Tree Canada, Ottawa, ON K1R 6S3, Canada)

Abstract

The urban forest is a green infrastructure system that delivers multiple environmental, economic, social and health services, and functions in cities. Environmental benefits of urban trees are well understood, but no review to date has examined how urban trees affect human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of existing literature on the health impacts of urban trees that can inform future research, policy, and nature-based public health interventions. A systematic search used keywords representing human health, environmental health, and urban forestry. Following screening and appraisal of several thousand articles, 201 studies were conceptually sorted into a three-part framework. Reducing Harm, representing 41% of studies, includes topics such as air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, heat exposure, and pollen. Restoring Capacities, at 31%, includes attention restoration, mental health, stress reduction, and clinical outcomes. Building Capacities, at 28%, includes topics such as birth outcomes, active living, and weight status. The studies that were reviewed show substantial heterogeneity in purpose and method yet indicate important health outcomes associated with people’s exposure to trees. This review will help inform future research and practice, and demonstrates why urban forest planning and management should strategically promote trees as a social determinant of public health.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathleen L. Wolf & Sharon T. Lam & Jennifer K. McKeen & Gregory R.A. Richardson & Matilda van den Bosch & Adrina C. Bardekjian, 2020. "Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-30, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4371-:d:373134
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    References listed on IDEAS

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