Impact of the natural and built environment on human health: a perspective from environmental psychology

Abstract

Although the interplay between people and their built and natural environment is an old concern, research in this area has a short history, and the globalization of environmental concerns in the mid-twentieth century introduced some new areas of knowledge, such as psychology. Research in this area has, on the one hand, explored the impact of the natural and built environment on human emotions, cognition and behavior, or more generally on the physical and psychological health and well-being of human beings. On the other hand, it has explored the impact of human behavior on the environment, namely on the processes underlying the change towards healthier and environmentally sustainable behavior. The impact of global change, particularly the exponential increase in urbanisation, climate change and the increase in their associated risks, makes it urgent to understand the relationship between the environment and human health, which is considered here from a biopsychosocial perspective, which, in addition to the medical dimension, also covers social and psychological (cognitive, emotional, behavioral) pathogens and parameters (Engel, 1977). This broader vision of health is closely associated with the increase in human life expectancy all over the planet and the dramatic modification of disease profiles, with the major causes of mortality changing from acute diseases to chronic diseases, and from infectious diseases to lifestyle-related diseases. This broader approach to health entails an understanding of the importance of urban planning and design in the promotion of health, social and physical regeneration, namely by creating caring and supportive city environments for all ages, aiming to increase social inclusion and promote health equality; and creating environments that promote active living, social interaction and cohesion, with a commitment to the values of equality and sustainability (WHO-2014). To reflect about these objectives, two main themes will be explored in this chapter: the impact of the built environment, and the impact of green spaces in an urban context. We will consider aspects directly associated with health, such as the toxicity of the environment (for example, pollution or unhealthy water) and physical discomfort caused by, for example, unhealthy living conditions or inadequate heating conditions, as well as considering psychosocial aspects such as stress due to perceived insecurity, noise, or reduced physical activity and social interaction. Although we will make some references to the first group of factors, we will essentially focus on the second group, giving particular emphasis to the conditions of the natural and physical environment that contribute to increased stress and, thus, have an impact on health and well-being.