Blog Post #4 – How do changes in the environment affect well-being over time?

My Inquiry questions is, how do environemental factors impact people’s well-being? In order to fully understand the answer to this question, we must first understand the question, how do changes in the environment affedct well-being over time? Last blog post, we built a base of knowledge on the general topic by lookng at how social interactions within out environment impacts our well-being, today, we will focus more on the aspect of environment. The environment is changing fast, so it’s important to understand how this impacts us.

First, urbanization is a significant environmental change that has transformed how people live and interact. While cities offer numerous opportunities for employment, education, and social activities, they also come with positive and negative challenges that can impact well-being. (1) As an example, access to healthcare, education, and different social networks can enhance overall well-being. Urban environments often provide more cultural and recreational activities, contributing to a higher quality of life and overall better well-being for all. (1) In urban areas, green spaces, like small city parks and forests, provide natural environments for relaxation. Active spaces, such as trails and recreational areas, promote good physical and mental health. Social spaces in urban areas encourage people to gather and interact. Safe spaces reduce concerns about crime and traffic, bringing a sense of security. All these factors potiviely impact ones well being within an urban environement. (2) On the other hand, urban living can also lead to overcrowding, increased pollution, and noise, which may contribute to poor well-being. The fast-paced lifestyle and reduced green spaces can result in decreased physical activity and increased rates of illnesses at times.

Climate change is another environmental shift that impacts well-being on many levels. As global temperatures rise, and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the effects on health and well-being are more obvious. Extreme heat, wildfire smoke, worsening air quality, and new diseases are expected to intensify with climate change, impacting health. Climate change threatens food and water quality, increases extreme weather events, and poses safety risks. These physical threats also bring social and mental health risks. (3)

Climate change causes extreme weather events like floods and storms, leading to different mental health issues. These events also disrupt jobs and housing, worsening mental health. (4) Rising temperatures can increase psychological disorders like dementia, while poor air quality and new diseases also harm mental health. To protect mental health, we need renewable energy, more green spaces, and strategies to adapt to climate change. (5)

Environmental changes impact different groups in different ways, leading to inequality in well-being. Inclusive urban planning that prioritizes green spaces and pollution control can improve well-being for all residents. However, marginalized communities often experience environmental degradation, with limited access to clean air, water, and safe living conditions, reducing overall quality of life. (6)

Thankfully, there are ways to improve well-being through changes of the environment, this includes:

1. Sustainable Practices: Support initiatives that promote sustainability, reduce pollution, and protect natural habitats. (7)
2. Green Spaces: Finding access to parks and green areas in urban areas to ensure you can benefit from nature. (7)
3. Technological Balance: Encourage mindful use of technology, fostering a balance between online and offline interactions. (8)
4. Mental Health Initiatives: Increase access to mental health resources for communities affected by environmental changes. (7)
5. Community Resilience: Build strong, supportive communities that can adapt to environmental changes and support members through challenges. (8)

Overall, environmental changes greatly affect well-being, influencing physical health, mental health, and social connections. By understanding these impacts and taking steps to address them, we can enhance our well-being and create a healthier future for all. Taking advantage of sustainable practices, advocating for inclusive policies, and making strong community ties are good strategies for navigating the challenges of our changing world while taking care of ouselves and each other. In my next Blog Post, I will explore deeper into different locations and how they impact well-being. Thanks for reading!

Sources:

1.“Mental Health and Well-Being.” Copernicus Health Hub, health.hub.copernicus.eu/mental-health-and-well-being#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20air%20pollution%2C%20for,effects%20on%20mental%20well%2Dbeing. Accessed 30 May 2024. 

2.“City Living and Mental Well-Being.” Psychiatry.Org – City Living and Mental Well-Being, 26 Feb. 2021, www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/city-living-and-mental-well-being. 

3.“Climate Change and Health.” Climate Atlas of Canada, climateatlas.ca/climate-change-and-health. Accessed 30 May 2024. 

4.“How Climate Change Affects Mental Health: News.” Wellcome, 8 Nov. 2023, wellcome.org/news/explained-how-climate-change-affects-mental-health. 

5.“Climate Change and Mental Health Connections.” Psychiatry.Org – Climate Change and Mental Health Connections, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/climate-change-and-mental-health-connections. Accessed 30 May 2024. 

6.“Mental Health.” CMHA Ontario, ontario.cmha.ca/documents/poverty-and-mental-illness/. Accessed 30 May 2024. 

7.“Environmental Wellness.” Health & Wellness, 30 Nov. 2022, www.unh.edu/health/environmental-wellness. 

8.Rowe, Kat. “7 Strategies to Improve Your Environmental Wellbeing.” Stride Mental Health Charity, 13 Mar. 2024, stride.com.au/7-strategies-to-improve-your-environmental-wellness/.