More than half of world’s population lives in cities while only 5% did so in the 18th century. The rapid urbanisation has resulted in for example inadequate infrastructure, physical inactivity, gentrification, air pollution, and growing numbers of slum dwellers. All factors challenging health and wellbeing of the people living in the cities. In addition, when addressing climate change it has become of paramount importance to look at mitigation and adaptation investments tailored to the urban context. As stated in the Sustainable Development Goal 11 adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015, societies need to be at the forefront in the continuous management and design of urban spaces to secure that cities and human settlements are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. In this course, you will learn about the key determinants of urban health including demography, climate change, air pollution, noise, transport systems, public and blue and green spaces, and policies and investments affecting sense of community and public safety.

3.1 How Blue and Green Infrastructure Promote Human Health - Nature-based Solutions | Coursera

Green and blue infrastructure (GBI) is a network of natural and semi-natural areas that provide multiple benefits for people and biodiversity, such as water purification, air quality improvement, climate regulation, recreation, and habitat provision. GBI can also help to address some of the major challenges that we face today, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and public health issues. Some of the potential synergies between biodiversity, climate, and health benefits that could be derived from GBI are:

• GBI can enhance biodiversity by creating, restoring, and connecting habitats for various species, especially in urban areas where natural spaces are scarce. Biodiversity can also contribute to the resilience and functioning of GBI, as well as providing genetic resources and ecosystem services.

• GBI can mitigate and adapt to climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering carbon, refulating temperature, and buffering against extreme wheather events. GBI can also help to reduce the vulnerability and exposure of people and ecosystems to climate change impacts.

• GBI can improve human health and well-being by providing opportunities for physical activity, mental relaxation, social interaction, and contact with nature. GBI can also reduce the risk of infectious and non-communicable diseases by improving environmental quality, moderating urban heat islands, and preventing vector-borne diseases.

Therefore, GBI can offer win-win solutions that benefit both people and nature, while addressing multiple global challenges in an integrated and cost-effective way. However, to achieve these synergies, it is important to consider the trade-offs, conflicts, and uncertainties that may arise from different GBI interventions, as well as the context-specific factors that influence their effectiveness and sustaonability.