Environmental and Health Benefits: A Bibliometric and Knowledge Mapping Analysis of Research Progress

Siruo Qu, Hongyi Li, Jing Wu and Bing Zhao ()
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Siruo Qu: Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, 74 Lauriston Pl, Edinburgh EH3 9DF, UK
Hongyi Li: College of Landscape Architect, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210037, China
Jing Wu: College of Landscape Architect, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210037, China
Bing Zhao: College of Landscape Architect, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210037, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-29

Abstract: Urbanisation poses significant challenges to urban ecosystems and public health. Urban blue–green spaces are integral to urban ecosystems and play a crucial role in enhancing public health through ecological and social pathways. This paper systematically reviewed research progress on the health benefits of urban blue–green infrastructure from 2014 to 2024, using CiteSpace. By analysing 2346 publications, it revealed the development history and emerging trends in the field. Over the past decade, relevant publications have increased, with two major research groups dominated by China and Western countries but with less cooperation. This lack of collaboration may restrict diverse population inclusion, reduce research generalizability, and hinder bridging policy and cultural gaps. Findings focused on “Ecosystem services”, “physical activity”, and “residential green areas” and also highlighted a shift in research focus from foundational theories to investigating the health mechanisms of blue–green spaces, issues of environmental justice, and the impact of exposure levels on well-being. However, the synergistic effects of blue–green spaces and environmental justice issues require further investigation. Future research should prioritise interdisciplinary and international collaboration, advancing policies and applications to integrate blue–green spaces into health promotion and sustainable urban planning.

Keywords: urban green and blue space; public health; mental health; ecosystem services; CiteSpace (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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