Green spaces, including parks and urban trees, are estimated to save the National Health Service (NHS) £148 million annually by reducing general practitioner (GP) visits, according to recent research. The figure is significant enough to cover the salaries of more than 3,500 nurses, highlighting the substantial public health benefits associated with access to natural environments.
Fran Barnes, chief executive of the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA), emphasized the multifaceted benefits of green infrastructure, noting that green spaces help cool towns and cities during heatwaves, absorb rainwater in storms, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and contribute to both physical and mental well-being. Barnes argued that such areas are too frequently treated as optional amenities rather than essential infrastructure, urging policymakers to integrate green spaces into urban planning and housing development from the outset.
One notable finding from the research is that a single street tree provides a cooling effect comparable to that of 10 air-conditioning units. This aspect has drawn particular attention amid heightened concerns over climate-related heat impacts. The HTA cited recent data indicating that over 2,700 deaths occurred in the UK during May and June this year due to excessive heat.
Public polling conducted by Savanta for the Climate Barometer reveals that climate-related droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires have overtaken flooding and storms as the UK population’s most concerning climate risks. The survey found strong public support for investments in green infrastructure, with 80% of respondents favoring the expansion of parks, ponds, and tree planting efforts to provide shade and reduce temperatures during hot weather, while only 3% opposed such measures.
Despite widespread experiences with extreme heat—reported by nearly three-quarters of those surveyed—only a small fraction of people have observed initiatives to mitigate its effects in urban areas. About 14% said they had noticed measures such as increased tree planting, shaded public spaces, or protective window fixtures, and a similar proportion (13%) reported new or improved parks and ponds.
Dr. Niall McLoughlin of Climate Barometer commented on the shifting public perception of summer weather, noting that extreme heat, drought, and wildfires are increasingly seen as urgent climate challenges. He advocated for nature-based solutions as an effective way to address rising temperatures, emphasizing that such approaches face relatively few obstacles compared to other interventions.