BIODIVERSITY IS CRUCIAL FOR OUR HEALTH – BUT THE CLIMATE AGENDA OVERSHADOWS IT

These words, recently heard in a presentation by Carsten Rahbek, a biologist and professor of biodiversity at the University of Copenhagen, threw a wrench in the works and questioned the industry's eager use of the term 'biodiversity.'

Armed with this insight, I was better prepared when I had to present a talk at Build for Biodiversity in early March about the role of biodiversity in relation to human health.

Rahbek's words reminded me that true biodiversity requires more than just cosmetic changes to our urban landscapes and that we are far from succeeding by placing a flowerbed in front of large concrete buildings in the background. Let's remember that green areas are about creating connections to the larger natural environment.

At the same time, we need to move beyond the tunnel vision that solely links biodiversity to the climate agenda and also consider human well-being and health in the debate.

Green Areas Create Healthy Citizens

The latest health profile is unmistakable. According to a comprehensive survey by the Danish Health Authority and DTU, 17 percent of the population has poor mental health, 53 percent of the adult population is moderately or severely overweight, and 1 in 8 Danes show signs of loneliness.

There is a need to consider the impact of green areas on people's well-being, health, and quality of life. The attractiveness of green spaces influences our behavior and awareness, which in turn affects our health.

Planter boxes, beehives, and green patches play an important role in our consciousness and benefit our behavior, even if they might not show the highest results in the Excel sheets of the large climate accounts.

However, the health debate is quickly overshadowed by the urgent platform that the climate agenda—naturally—is. This is unfortunate, as healthier citizens create a healthier economy and reduce costs for public development.

The Urban Gardens in Vapnagaard Show It

An inspiring example of the integration of biodiversity and health is the urban gardens in Vapnagaard in Helsingør. Born from a collaboration between architects, residents, and local organizations, these gardens have not only transformed the physical landscape but also strengthened the mental well-being of the residents.

Through participant observations and surveys, it became clear that the urban gardens attract a diverse group of residents and build bonds across cultural differences.

The urban gardens demonstrate that biodiversity and health are not just theoretical concepts but a living reality that can transform our cities and our lives. Just listen to garden participant Helle Larsen:

"I have come to feel like I've moved home now. The garden did that, and so did all the people I got to know. I've made friends I didn't have before. And that's priceless."

A Natural Symbiosis

As a society, we stand at a crucial point where we must acknowledge that true biodiversity in our cities requires more than just planting trees and bushes. It's about creating an environment where people and nature can thrive side by side.

Let's value the close connection between biodiversity and health and work together to promote it in our cities for future generations. Let's create green areas that are not just cosmetic but form vital habitats for both people and nature. It requires a new mindset where we recognize the importance of our actions.

Let's prioritize biodiversity, not just for the sake of nature, but for our own sake as well.