Living in a city may be tough on a person's health, but researchers have now linked the presence of green spaces—or simulated natural environments—to several positive health outcomes, according to a study published in the journal Psychological Science.
Researchers surveyed 10,000 adults between 1991 and 2008, finding that individuals who moved to areas with more green spaces reported a "green space effect"—that is, lower levels of mental distress and higher levels of life satisfaction.
"These kinds of comparisons are important for policymakers when trying to decide how to invest scarce public resources, such as for park development or upkeep, and figuring out what 'bang' they'll get for their buck," says lead author Matthew White.
The researchers add that part of the mental uplift is owed to an increase in physical activity.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.