Barron and Rugel argue that greenspace planning needs to better reflect the usage-related needs of young adults. The pair state that “The voices of young adults (15−24) ring faintly in the conversation around nature-based solutions (NBS). . . . NBS clearly shape young adults — including their connections with nature, engagement in pro-environmental behaviours, and social and psychological health — but the dramatic reshaping of urban areas via rapid growth, densification, and technological innovation means today’s young adults have fewer opportunities to benefit from NBS. In a potentially vicious cycle, this shortfall can result in a weakened sense of connection with nature, leading to less time spent in natural environments and fewer sustainable behaviours. Achieving justice for young adults requires understanding their preferences, clarifying relationships between NBS characteristics and use.” Their paper presents “an appraisal framework comprising three primary attributes — order, diversity, and [opportunities for] seclusion and retreat — that supports the design and integration of urban greenspaces that uniquely benefit young adults’ social development and mental health.” Spaces have order when they appear well maintained and safe and diversity when they support a range of plant life and activities.
Sara Barron and Emily Rugel. 2023. “Tolerant Greenspaces: Designing Urban Nature-Based Solutions that Foster Social Ties and Support Mental Health Among Young Adults.” Environmental Science and Policy, vol. 139, pp. 1-10, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2022.10.005