Blue space as an essential factor in environment and health

Abstract

In this chapter, we attempt to locate the growing knowledge about the public health importance of urban blue spaces within a much longer evolution and history of understanding about the environment and human health. To begin with, we will briefly review the interest in physical environment as a determinant of human health, which dates back several millennia. Within an environmental frame of reference, we then present a more detailed analysis of the changing perspectives on human health and its determinants, from the beginning of modern public health to the present day - a period of approximately 200 years. With the subject matter of this book in mind, our review concludes that the provision and maintenance of urban blue and green spaces, aligned to the needs of the surrounding community, are wholly consistent with the most modern perspectives on public health. Specifically, the topic of blue space speaks to 21st-century public health aspirations going beyond health protection and promotion. These can be summarised as embracing prevention, equity and the urgent need to reduce damage to the Earth’s biophysical systems.