Page - 381 - in Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change

381© The Author(s) 2019 M. R. Marselle et al. (eds.), Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_17 Chapter 17 Environmental, Health and  Equity Effects of  Urban Green Space Interventions Ruth  F.  Hunter, Anne  Cleary, and  Matthias  Braubach Abstract As populations become increasingly urbanised, the preservation of urban green space becomes paramount. Despite the potential from cross-sectional evi- dence, we know little about how to design new, or improve or promote existing, urban green space for environmental, health and well-being benefits. This chapter highlights aspects to be considered when designing and evaluating urban green space interventions that aim to maximize environmental, social and health benefits, and address equity issues. Based on a review of international research evidence and a compilation of European case studies, the chapter addresses the variety of green space intervention approaches and their related impacts. There was strong evidence to support park-based and greenway/trail interventions employing a dual-approach (i.e. a physical change to the urban green space and promotion/marketing pro- grammes particularly for park use and physical activity); strong evidence for the greening of vacant lots for health, well-being (e.g. reduction in stress) and social (e.g. reduction in crime) outcomes; strong evidence for the provision of urban street trees and green infrastructure for storm water management for environmental out- comes (e.g. increased biodiversity, reduced air pollution, climate change adapta- tion). Urban green space has an important role to play in creating a culture of health and well-being. Results show promising evidence to support the use of certain urban green space interventions for health, social and environmental benefits. The findings have important implications for policymakers, practitioners and researchers. R. F. Hunter (*) UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health/Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK e-mail: ruth.hunter@qub.ac.uk A. Cleary School of Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia e-mail: anne.cleary@griffithuni.edu.au M. Braubach European Centre for Environment and Health, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Bonn, Germany e-mail: braubachm@who.int