Comment Period: National Nature Assessment

The U.S. Global Change Research Program is conducting the First National Nature Assessment to assess changes in nature as an aspect of global change. The scope of NNA1 is to assess the status, observed trends, and future projections of America’s lands, waters, wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems and the benefits they provide, including connections to the economy, public health, equity, climate mitigation and adaptation, and national security. 

Summer Quarter 2024 Newsletter

Updates From the Team at Nature and Health
Welcome to the fall edition of our Nature and Health Newsletter! As the leaves begin their vibrant transformation and a crispness settles into the air, we’re thrilled to dive into a season of exciting updates and opportunities. 

OP-ED: The Climate Crisis is a Mental Health Crisis. Building Smart-Surface Public Spaces is an Easy Prescription

By Greg Kats, Howard Frumkin, and Georges C. Benjamin · Amsterdam News · August 15, 2024
Co-Authored by Howard Frumkin, Nature and Health co-founder and Steering Committee member

As the Conference of the Parties (COP) 28 closed with much fanfare and a first-time “transition away” from fossil fuels commitment that’s drawing skeptics, here’s what we do know: The planet we live on and need survival for is getting hotter. 

Revitalize Parks to Strengthen Democracy

Stanford Social Innovation Review · Summer 2024
Co-authored by Howard Frumkin, Nature and Health co-founder and Steering Committee member

Tucked away in the Cascade Mountains of Central Washington, amid miles of hiking trails and fruit orchards, sits Methow Park on the south side of the small town of Wenatchee. 

Reflecting on Equitable Parks Access During Juneteenth

As we commemorate Juneteenth tomorrow, let’s reflect upon the importance of equitable access to nature and feeling safe outdoors. Throughout US history, segregation has heavily influenced who could enjoy outdoor spaces. 

Nature for all: Bridging Health Equity Through the Initiative-Funded Project Nature

Population Health News · May 30, 2024
Featuring Pooja Tandon, Nature and Health Research Collaborative member

Engaging in outdoor play and exploration can significantly enhance a child’s physical health and mental well-being. 

How the Smells of Nature can Affect Human Well-Being

Whether it’s a walk in the park, hike in the forest or tending to a backyard garden, there’s ample subjective and scientific evidence that being in nature can have beneficial effects for us, from relieving stress to improving our mood. 

How do the Smells of Nature Affect Well-Being? A Call for More Research.

Harvard Chan School News · May 23, 2024
Featuring Gregory Bratman, Nature and Health co-director and researcher
A group of scientists has proposed a framework for expanding research into how odors and scents from natural settings impact human health and well-being. 

Parks Have Social Superpowers. Let’s Make More of Them.

Howard Frumkin · Seattle Times · May 17, 2024
Howard is a Nature and Health researcher and Steering Committee member
Across our nation, the bonds of familiarity, trust and solidarity that sustain a strong society are badly frayed. 

Scientists Want to Know How the Smells of Nature Benefit Our Health

Featuring Gregory Bratman, co-director of Nature and Health
James Urton · UW News · May 15, 2024
Spending time in nature is good for us. Studies have shown that contact with nature can lift our well-being by affecting  emotions, influencing  thoughts, reducing stress and improving physical health.