Forests, trees and green spaces take place vital role in ensuring a healthy life for everyone, as confirmed by a global report.

In the report of the Global Forest Expert Group Program of the International Association of Forest Research Organizations, where 44 scientists from around the world, highlights the wide range of physical, mental, social and spiritual health benefits associated with forests and green spaces, such as in children’s neurodevelopment, diabetes, cancer, depression, stress-related disorders. Although all stages of life are affected, the significant effects on children, starting as early as the prenatal stage, are particularly significant.

At least 24% of global deaths and 28% of under-five deaths are due to negative environmental factors such as air pollution and extreme weather events. Premature death and disease can be prevented through a healthier environment worldwide. Forests, trees and green spaces not only provide a healthier environment, but also numerous goods and services such as medicine, nutritious food and other forest products. They also help reduce the negative effects of climate change on health.

With negative global challenges accelerating, such as climate change and pandemics, scientists are calling for urgent action. Climate change, urbanization and lifestyles disconnected from nature are among the main causes of many health challenges facing societies, such as malnutrition, cardiovascular disease and mental health problems. Environmental and climate disturbances have also led to an increase in life-threatening diseases such as Ebola or bird flu. Change in land use is estimated to have caused the emergence of more than 30% of new diseases since 1960.

The report also mentions some negative effects of forests which scientists note must be taken into account and mitigated. Human health can be adversely affected by allergies, animal-borne diseases, or reduced air quality due to wildfires. The negative effects are mainly due to factors such as disturbed relations between forests and people, poor conservation and management of forests or inappropriate selection of tree species in areas where people live, but also to human activities. The study highlights that decision-makers should enhance the positive health effects of forests by minimizing potential negative consequences, especially on vulnerable populations.