Page - 259 - in Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change

259 biodiversity) and restorativeness. The constructs of human health, human well- being and biodiversity are multi-dimensional and can be difficult to define and quantify (Naeem et  al. 2016). There appear to be strong links between the aesthetic and spiritual appreciation of nature, with mental health benefits and engagement with outdoor activities. These provide public health professionals with further opportunities to provide advice and interventions for improving the health of vulnerable communities. Interestingly, De Lacy and Shackleton (2017) reported that greenspace associated with urban sacred sites enhanced the spiritual experience of visitors. Nature is deeply embedded into a number of religions, therefore spending time in nature enhances a sense of belonging and the spiritual experience (Lindgren et  al. 2018). See Irvine et  al. Chap. 10, this volume, for a  more  indepth discussion about biodiversity and spiritual well-being. 11.2.4 Socio-cultural Well-being Social isolation is linked to increased risk of overall mortality (Holt-Lunstad et  al. 2015) and diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke (Valtorta et  al. 2016). Promoting social interaction is a key public health priority; one that could be facili- tated by access to natural environments (World Health Organisation 2016). The Social Finance Report conveys the positive impact of biodiverse environments on older people and suggests that physical activity in the outdoor environment reduces social isolation, which in turn can reduce GP attendance and A&E admissions  (Social Finance  2015). Access to nature and nature-based approaches such as green care can have a positive influence on an individual’s social activation (Gonzalez et  al. 2009). However, there are differences in how urban greenspace is used by different ages, genders and cultures (e.g. Bjerke et  al. 2006; Maas et  al. 2008), which may influence how planning takes place for public health purposes (e.g. Sang et  al. 2016). See Kabisch Chap. 5, this volume, for more about the role of socio- demographic factors in greenspace and health effects. 11.2.5 Health Behaviour Including  the Promotion of  Physical Activity Creating opportunities for engaging with physical activity and other healthy behav- iours is important in public health practice. Research demonstrates that a sedentary lifestyle contributes to increases in coronary heart disease, diabetes and obesity (Wilmot et  al. 2012). Studies have shown that people living nearer to parks were more likely to use them for physical activity (World Health Organization 2016) and were less likely to be overweight or obese (Coombes et  al. 2010). Levels of physical activity were higher in greener neighbourhoods and, in those with over 15% greens- pace, cardiovascular disease risk was reduced (Richardson et  al. 2013). However, the biodiversity of habitats preferred for physical activity may vary with the activity 11 Biodiversity and  Health in  the  Face of  Climate Change: Implications for  Public…