In this lecture, we will discuss what is the environment. When we hear the term environment, we often think of pristine natural spaces such as mountains, forests, and oceans. Nature is an important influence on human health and well-being, yet so too are the built and sociocultural environments that surround us. Take for example this bicycling urban center. What do you notice about this environment? I noticed the wide pathways to walk and bike, shaded benches to be able to sit alone or socialize with others, and various stores you're able to shop and eat. There are multiple environmental layers in this space that we need to pay attention to. In my work as a health geographer, I conceptualize and do research on four major types of environments; built, social, natural, and policy environments. Each of these overlap and influence each other, but also represent distinct social determinants of health that influence the morbidity and mortality of resident populations. Built environments are the physical infrastructure and tangible qualities of human-built spaces in which we live, work, receive care, and play. This includes housing, road networks, sidewalks, libraries, parks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and office buildings. It includes not just the presence or absence of sites such as sidewalks and parks, but also the quality of them. Are the sidewalks multi-paved, for example, or are there big cracks and an even footing? Are there supportive amenities such as benches, bathrooms, garbage and recycling bins, water fountains, and lighting in the park? Are they well-maintained such as mowed grass, litter-free, and bathrooms clean? The social environment represents the social relationships and cultural milieus embedded in public and private spaces within which people function and interact. This community in social context include social integration, community engagement and support systems, discrimination, and stress. For example, do people feel that the community is close-knit? Do neighbors or coworkers say hello and help each other? What is the level of trust? How safe is this space from crime and violence? Do people here experience discrimination? The natural environment, as we discussed earlier, comprises the physical world of flora, fauna, wilderness areas, and climate. It includes the weather and climate such as sunlight, temperature, precipitation and air quality. Blue spaces such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, and green spaces such as forests, mountains, and hills. Some scholars incorporate smaller scale and even indoor elements to the natural environment, such as a backyard garden, courtyard pond, and plant on a windowsill. These micro elements of the natural environment and views through a window can be particularly important to less mobile and homebound individuals, including older adults and hospitalized patients. The policy environment shapes the form and function of physical, social, and natural environments. It includes municipal to federal legislation regarding the labor market, housing, education, health, and community. You can use these environmental lenses to evaluate spaces such as the civic center we saw earlier. The design and investment into infrastructure to support walking and cycling, for example, was influenced by policy makers. Weather and other natural elements need to be considered, including snow plowing and storm drains. Do people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds feel welcome and support in this space? In future lectures, we will focus on the everyday built and social environments that people inhabit.
