Report Shows Children That Grow Up Near Green Spaces Have Healthier Lungs

Does this surprise anyone?

Photo by Mike Benna on Unsplash

This recent study reminded me of the study I read some years ago about the negative impacts of living near highways and how ultra-fine particles are distributed throughout nearby neighborhoods — if anyone has that article(s) post in the comments, please. But this recent study here should not surprise anyone — a strong, or robust, correlation between exposure to green spaces and lung function in the youth. I would also argue that it shows access to green spaces as well — which would lead us to think that there could be some socioeconomic factors involved as well.

In this study, 35,000 children from 8 countries were monitored over the course of years and found that the lungs of children who were exposed to more time in green spaces had stronger lungs — by all measures. Does this surprise us?

Now What?

Now that we know this what can we do with this information? Plant more urban trees? More urban farms? More urban green spaces? More urban forests? More urban ponds and rain gardens? Equal access to green spaces for all kids regardless of income? Is there space for this type of development in our capitalist society? These are all questions one may ask moving forward.

Further reading: How to start your own urban forest