A significant majority of UK General Practitioners support the increase of urban greenery, highlighting its benefits for public health and the potential to alleviate pressures on the National Health Service.
UK General Practitioners (GPs) are championing the increased planting of trees as a measure to reduce the strain on the National Health Service (NHS), with recent polls indicating strong support among medical professionals for greener urban areas. This initiative, aimed particularly at enhancing greenery around urban schools, comes with a 94% endorsement from GPs, who believe it could help tackle respiratory issues, such as asthma, and overall well-being.
Dr. Darren Moorcroft, CEO of the Woodland Trust, has voiced the need for the environment to be a priority to alleviate pressures on the NHS and save lives. The Trust’s research indicates a growing concern among 96% of GPs who desire policymakers to act on environmental considerations, highlighting the tangible benefits of increased green spaces and tree cover in urban settings.
The link between climate change and public health, particularly the impact of rising temperatures, is a growing concern for health professionals. Trees are seen as a vital component in combating these challenges by potentially lowering urban temperatures and reducing health risks. Trish Goodwin from the Bolton GP Federation pointed out the importance of green spaces for both physical and mental health.
In light of a forthcoming general election, the Woodland Trust urges political parties to establish long-term goals for expanding native tree cover. This call to action is backed by findings from a survey indicating that 74% of GPs believe that more trees could relieve the financial burden on the NHS, with 77% in favor of prescribing time in nature for various health conditions and mental health issues. Furthermore, a striking 94% agree on the necessity of planting hedges around urban schools to mitigate pollution.
The intertwined nature of health and the environment has been underscored not just by environmental advocates but also by healthcare professionals, including Dr. David Wrigley of the British Medical Association. There is a growing consensus on the multifaceted benefits of trees in fighting climate change, improving health, and reducing pollution, as the healthcare sector spearheads the movement towards a greener, and arguably healthier, future.
