As cities and urban environments encroach on green spaces, medicine is losing one of the most powerful weapons in its arsenal against all types of diseases: nature.
In the recently published book, the biodiversity specialist from the University of Oxford, Kathy Willisexplores the impact of the erosion of green spaces on the mental and physical health of the population.
published an excerpt from this book, which proposes the use of satellites or drones to help doctors treat patients.
Using satellite images and biometric data, the book reveals how Vegetation loss is associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Kathy Willis collected DNA samples and other biological data from a broad sample of the population, not restricted to individuals with specific diseases.
The book focuses on “Normalized Difference Vegetation Index” (NDVI) – a measure that assesses the health of vegetation through the analysis of reflected visible and infrared light.
NDVI demonstrated a correlation between greener environments and lower rates of depressionindependent of other social or economic factors, especially notable among women and in poorer urban areas.
“The incidence of diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders is lower the greener the environment in which people live,” wrote the expert, cited by Live Science.
Unexpected medical allies
The book cites studies that use satellite data in conjunction with large health databases, showing how the disappearance of trees is linked to an increase in deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Willis suggests that integrating these vast data sets could help create more effective public policies and promoting better health through the preservation of natural spaces.
The book highlights nature as an essential component in both preventing and resolving public health problems, arguing that simple, natural solutions can be extremely effective in combating disease.
Both satellites and the simplest drones can be a valuable help for doctors – giving important insights both in prevention and treatment.
