MTalks—Putting down roots: How green spaces can counter loneliness

We all know green spaces are good for us, but could they offer a cure for loneliness? Tune in to this panel discussion and hear more about how our city-makers (and others) have contributed to a “lonelygenic environment” that makes connection difficult, and hear about ways that could change this. Hear from panelists like epidemiologist Thomas Astell-Burt, who shared research he co-authored with fellow epidemiologist Xiaoqi Feng—that suggests that more quality green spaces could reduce our chances of loneliness by up to a quarter. Data analyst Angela Ryan (land supply and redevelopment analyst in the Department of Transport and Planning, formerly at AURIN as a social data scientist) discussed the importance of incorporating health and spatial data when making decisions around land use and city planning. The panel was moderated by AURIN’s Lara Brown, a writer-turned-urbanist who has studied urban loneliness and its causes. She guided this panel discussion that aimed to show why the pathway to more urban togetherness should be green. 418764