Nature Prescriptions as Environmental Medicine: Reconnecting Urban Health, Healthy Buildings, Biophilia and Preventive Care
July 23rd, 2026
Italy
Alessandro Miani, Fabrizio Capacciol, David Mariani , Daniele Guglielmino, Rita White
This editorial examines nature prescriptions as an emerging approach in environmental medicine, emphasizing nature as a positive determinant of health rather than simply an amenity. It reviews evidence linking nature exposure to improved mental and physical health and discusses international programs.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijem1030012
Posted byAnandita Gupta
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Abstract/Description
Human health is increasingly shaped by the environments in which people live,
work, learn, receive care and age. In the twenty-first century, these environments are
predominantly urban and built. Cities concentrate education, healthcare, innovation,
economic opportunity and social interaction; at the same time, they also concentrate
many environmental determinants of disease, including air pollution, noise, heat islands,
sedentary lifestyles, psychosocial stress, social isolation, biodiversity loss and reduced daily
contact with natural environments [1–3].
This transition requires a broader understanding of environmental medicine. The
discipline cannot be limited to the identification and mitigation of harmful exposures.
It must also investigate, protect and intentionally promote salutogenic exposures: environmental conditions that support physiological regulation, psychological restoration,
immune resilience, social connection, physical activity and healthy behaviour. Within this
framework, nature should not be understood only as scenery, amenity or recreation. It
should be recognized as a positive determinant of health and as a measurable component
of prevention and care
work, learn, receive care and age. In the twenty-first century, these environments are
predominantly urban and built. Cities concentrate education, healthcare, innovation,
economic opportunity and social interaction; at the same time, they also concentrate
many environmental determinants of disease, including air pollution, noise, heat islands,
sedentary lifestyles, psychosocial stress, social isolation, biodiversity loss and reduced daily
contact with natural environments [1–3].
This transition requires a broader understanding of environmental medicine. The
discipline cannot be limited to the identification and mitigation of harmful exposures.
It must also investigate, protect and intentionally promote salutogenic exposures: environmental conditions that support physiological regulation, psychological restoration,
immune resilience, social connection, physical activity and healthy behaviour. Within this
framework, nature should not be understood only as scenery, amenity or recreation. It
should be recognized as a positive determinant of health and as a measurable component
of prevention and care
