EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Ireland’s Environment – An Integrated Assessment 2020 Topic Box 14.1 Environment, Health and Wellbeing – EPA Research Programme 2014-2020 Since 2016, the EPA has funded 80 or so new projects relevant to the Environment, Health and Wellbeing area: a commitment of €10.6 million. These projects were funded mostly under the Sustainability (Health and Wellbeing), Water (Safe Water) and Climate Pillars of the EPA Research Programme 2014-2020. Examples of EPA-funded projects include research on: n residential solid fuel use n the impact of nitrogen dioxide on health with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups n antimicrobial resistance and the environment n noise and health: evidence from Ireland n evaluating the health benefits derived from green and blue spaces n sources, pathways and environmental fate of microplastics n potential sources and environmental fates of certain phthalates and n elucidating levels and pathways of human exposure in Ireland to POP-BFRs (brominated flame retardants restricted under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants and PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid). More information is available at http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/ EPA research reports related to environment, health and wellbeing are available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/research/health/ Childhood exposure to the natural environment has positive effects on physical, cognitive and social development (Strife and Downey, 2009). In addition, evidence is now highlighting the significant lifetime benefits for health and wellbeing that childhood exposure to nature offers. A recent nationwide study from Denmark involving over 900,000 people demonstrated that children who grew up in the presence of high levels of green space had a much lower risk of developing mental health problems in adulthood than those who lived with the lowest levels of green space (Engemann et al. , 2019). The mental health and wellbeing benefits of engaging with green and blue spaces are of particular importance given the increasing prevalence and burden of psychiatric disorders at both national and global levels. According to the most recent Health at a Glance: Europe report, which provides an analysis of the state of health of European Union (EU) citizens and of the performance of EU health systems, Ireland has one of the highest prevalences of mental health disorders in Europe (OECD and EU, 2018). The Wider Benefits of Green Spaces for Individuals, Communities, Society and the Environment The benefits of green spaces also go beyond those direct physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits that accrue. Green infrastructure and vegetation such as trees and hedging reduce people’s exposure to many environmental hazards and stressors brought about by the concentration of everyday human activity, the presence of artificial surfaces and the effects of climate change, particularly in urban areas. Specifically, green infrastructure and vegetation can help to reduce air pollution and, in some cases, improve air quality (Abhijith and Kumar, 2019), decrease temperatures associated with the urban heat island phenomenon and provide a cooling effect (Bowler et al. , 2010), and improve water quality and reduce flooding risk. Importantly, green spaces can provide quiet or tranquil places, protecting citizens against noise pollution from sources such as traffic, particularly in urban areas. Our green and blue spaces also have social benefits, acting as hubs to strengthen community interaction and social cohesion and to reduce social exclusion. These social benefits can further enhance health and wellbeing. Spaces such as community gardens, allotments and urban parks can be particularly beneficial in this regard. Recent research from England found that people who spend more time outdoors in nature and those with a higher appreciation of nature were more likely to engage in a range of pro- environmental behaviours (Alcock et al. , 2020). 354