Nature and equitable health

The impacts of the pandemic were not shared evenly by all. Studies revealed impacts that varied by geography and demographics. A well-documented explanation was a lack of access to nature. During the pandemic, publicly accessible nature became an essential resource for individual and collective health and well-being. Access to nature helped to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19. Urban nature spaces also contribute to physical, mental, social, and emotional health. Time spent in nature alleviated mental distress and allowed for psychological recovery. Outdoor spaces provided a place to safely gather and reconnect with friends and family beyond the home. Understanding where access to nature is lacking is critical for addressing health inequities. Planning for nature equity in cities requires creating physical access to nature, as well as recognizing and addressing any psychological barriers to access. This requires a consideration of both the quantity and quality of urban nature, with particular attention to how personal preferences for interaction with nature vary. Healthier communities, in the form of abundance and accessible nature, are the result of long-term planning and decision-making. Understanding the impact of the pandemic and the disparate impact that communities experienced from COVID-19 is critical to establishing a framework for decision-making for long-term investment in urban nature .