title: Approaching environmental health disparities and green spaces: an ecosystem services perspective.
abstract: Health disparities occur when adverse health conditions are unequal across populations due in part to gaps in wealth. These disparities continue to plague global health. Decades of research suggests that the natural environment can play a key role in sustaining the health of the public. However, the influence of the natural environment on health disparities is not well-articulated. Green spaces provide ecosystem services that are vital to public health. This paper discusses the link between green spaces and some of the nation's leading health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular health, heat-related illness, and psychological health. These associations are discussed in terms of key demographic variables—race, ethnicity, and income. The authors also identify research gaps and recommendations for future research.
authors: USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Integrating Human and Natural Systems, 320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA. vjennings02@fs.fed.us.
authors: Viniece
authors: V
authors: Jennings
authors: USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Integrating Human and Natural Systems, 320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA. cjohnson09@fs.fed.us.
authors: Cassandra Johnson
authors: CJ
authors: Gaither
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000453:epidemiology; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D004782:Environmental Health; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D011634:Public Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States