About this Research Topic
This Research Topic explores the complex interactions between urban nature, human health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience in the face of compounding crises, including the challenges posed by climate change. Embracing established terms such as Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and ecosystem services, the study aims to go beyond traditional concepts of green spaces and advocates for a more inclusive perspective on urban environments. The research delves into innovative approaches to urban planning and design that promote well-being, resilience, and sustainability for all, irrespective of location or socio-economic background. It challenges conventional notions of nature, recognizing that not all communities have access to traditional green spaces. Additionally, the research emphasizes the role of participatory-driven scientific research and citizen science initiatives in addressing climate-related challenges.
This Research Topic serves as a platform for researchers, scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore novel, inclusive, and equitable urban solutions. Beyond investigating the health benefits of green spaces, it addresses broader issues of sustainability, equity, and climate resilience through citizen science. The focus is on action-oriented research, requiring submissions to have clear implications for the planning, design, enhancement, or management of green spaces. The goal is to reshape the discourse on urban health and sustainability by proposing strategies that empower communities and stakeholders while safeguarding the planet. We strongly encourage submissions that address into one or more of the following topics for consideration in our Research Topic:
1. Equitable Access to Nature, Community Engagement for Climate-Resilient Urban Green Spaces;
2. Nature-Inspired Design for Urban Health, Sensory Urbanism, Ecopsychology, Coexistence of Humans and Non-Human, Lifelong Nature Benefits;
3. Urban Biodiversity, Urban Agriculture, Green Spaces as Social Catalysts, Cultural Landscapes;
4. Conservation and Engagement, Sustainable Tourism in Urban Green Spaces, Visitor Engagement and Conservation in Urban Green Spaces;
5. Green Spaces as Learning Environments.
Keywords: Nature-health-sustainability nexus, Nature-inspired urban design, Biodiversity, Social cohesion, Nature-based therapies, Environmental justice, Inclusive urbanism, Green equity, Sensory urbanism, Urban wildscapes, Citizen science, Climate resilience
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.