We live in an increasingly urbanized world. According to data published by the United Nations, over half of the global population resides in urban areas, and the urban share globally is projected to rise from about one-third in 1950 to approximately two-thirds by 2050. The growing urbanization of the world has led many people to live in environments where green space is increasingly limited, and nature can sometimes seem like a luxury reserved for those living outside the cities.
Nevertheless, the need to connect with nature remains essential for the mental and physical well-being of individuals, as well as for the creation of greener and more sustainable cities.
In this article, we will explore 4 benefits of reconnecting with nature through urban agriculture to inspire the adoption of a practice that can help combat climate change and improve our city lifestyle.
Urban agriculture: benefits for mental health
Cultivating plants and gardens in the city offers numerous advantages for mental health. Reconnecting with nature through urban agriculture helps alleviate stress and promotes mindfulness, enhancing overall quality of life and well-being. Being surrounded by greenery and caring for plants can have a calming and therapeutic effect, helping to combat anxiety and depression. Recent studies reveal that urban agriculture not only increases our intake of fruits and vegetables, benefiting our physical health, but also acts as a preventive and therapeutic measure for our mental health and emotional well-being.
Urban agriculture: benefits for physical health
In addition to the mental health benefits, urban agriculture also offers physical advantages. Tending to plants and gardens in the city encourages physical activity and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Growing fresh and healthy food at home or in your neighborhood ensures access to quality products while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact associated with food transportation.
Benefits of urban agriculture for greener and more sustainable cities
Urban agriculture can contribute to creating greener and more sustainable cities, improving air quality, and more. Vertical plants and gardens can help with building thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, a greener city is a more beautiful city, where well-being and quality of life are enhanced.
Combating climate change through urban agriculture
Reconnecting with nature through urban agriculture represents a significant opportunity to combat climate change and improve our cities. Cultivating plants at home or in public spaces helps increase biodiversity and reduce the environmental impact. Urban agriculture promotes a circular and sustainable economy, reducing resource waste and contributing to environmental conservation.
Urban agriculture presents a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and enhance our well-being. Through the cultivation of plants and gardens, we can genuinely contribute to creating greener, more sustainable, and beautiful cities, combating climate change, and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
We hope that this article has inspired you to join the urban agriculture movement. Remember that every small action can make a difference for a more sustainable future.
Sources:
Ilieva, Rositsa T., Nevin Cohen, Maggie Israel, Kathrin Specht, Runrid Fox-Kämper, Agnès Fargue-Lelièvre, Lidia Poniży, Victoria Schoen, Silvio Caputo, Caitlin K. Kirby, Benjamin Goldstein, Joshua P. Newell, and Chris Blythe. 2022. "The Socio-Cultural Benefits of Urban Agriculture: A Review of the Literature" Land 11, no. 5: 622. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11050622
https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/urbanization-0