Expanding Green Spaces in Barcelona Could Prevent 178 Deaths Annually

An ISGlobal study based on the Green Corridors plan shows that a 3.6% increase in green space in the city would prevent 13 deaths per 100,000 people

A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), published in Environment International, estimates that increasing urban green spaces could prevent up to 178 premature deaths each year in Barcelona. In addition, urban trees and gardens could help prevent five more deaths per month during heat waves.

The research analysed the potential health impact of the Green Corridors plan, which aims to green one in three streets in Barcelona, increasing the city’s green space from 7.3% to 10.9%. Using mortality data from 2019 and environmental modelling, the researchers found that the expansion could reduce heat-related deaths and improve overall public health.

The study also looked at the Metropolitan Urban Master Plan (PDUM), an initiative to increase green space by 2030. According to the research team, this plan could prevent 53 premature deaths per year.

The researchers emphasise that while green spaces alone are beneficial, additional measures are needed to combat urban heat in the context of climate change and an ageing population. Future studies will look at similar initiatives, such as the Green Roofs project, to assess their potential health benefits.

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