With the rapid pace of urbanization, it's crucial to investigate its impact on human and environmental health. The existing literature offers mixed results, providing little clarity. A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health examines the relationship between different urban layouts, human health, and sustainability.
Study: The impact of urban configuration types on urban heat islands, air pollution, CO 2 emissions, and mortality in Europe: a data science approach . Image Credit: ABCDstock/Shutterstock.com Cities are home to 55% of the world's population, with three out of every four Europeans living in urban areas, a proportion expected to rise to 84% by 2050.
Urban life provides more services, infrastructure, job opportunities, and social connections. However, it also amplifies socioeconomic disparities and often leads to sedentary lifestyles, adversely affecting health. Cities face high levels of air and noise pollution, higher temperatures, and limited access to natural spaces.
Urban areas create thermal hotspots known as heat islands and are responsible for 75% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, significantly contributing to global warming. Compact cities pack more people into smaller spaces, reducing travel times and distances and promoting the use of public transport. This leads to less pollution and a smaller carbon footprint.
Short distances encourage cycling and walking, making social connections easier and fostering a sense of belonging and community. .