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Abstract

The world is urbanizing and chronic health conditions associated with urban living are on the rise. There is mounting evidence that people with a diverse microbiome (bacteria that inhabit the human body) or who interact with green spaces enjoy better health. However, studies have yet to directly examine how biodiverse urban green spaces (BUGS) might modify the human microbiome and reduce chronic disease. Here we highlight the potential for green spaces to improve health by exposing people to environmental microorganisms that diversify human microbiomes and help regulate immune function. We present four international perspectives (from Australia, China, India, and the UK) on the major challenges and benefits of using BUGS to alleviate health burdens. We propose solutions to these challenges and outline studies that can test the connections between BUGS, immune function, and human health and provide the evidence base for effective BUGS design and use. If further studies reinforce this hypothesis, then BUGS may become a viable tool to stem the global burden of urban-associated chronic diseases.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Flies, EJ and Skelly, C and Negi, SS and Parbhakaran, P and Liu, Q and Liu, K and Goldizen, FC and Lease, C and Weinstein, P
Keywords:	biodiverse, urban, green space, health, microbiome
Journal or Publication Title:	Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
Publisher:	John Wiley & Sons, Inc
ISSN:	1540-9295
DOI / ID Number:	10.1002/fee.1630
Copyright Information:	Copyright 2017 Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
Related URLs:	Google Scholar: Flies, EJ UTAS Profile: Flies, EJ
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