Urban environments and human health: current trends and future directions

Abstract

In an era of rapid urbanization and significant demographic shifts, human health has emerged as a primary focus of sustainable development. According to the environmental model of public health, the environment is one of the first causes of disease, injury and mortality. In this paper we discuss the complexities involved in urban environment–human health interactions; provide an overview of the environmental determinants of health; and highlight future directions and challenges. A deeper understanding of the relationships between urban environment and human health will help devise effective preventive interventions towards minimizing/offsetting environmental risk exposures reducing resulting health burdens, lead to healthy lifestyle and behaviour and thereby fulfil the goals of sustainable development.