Experiencing urban forests for mitigation of negative emotions of people exposed to seasonal PM_2.5 in Northeast China

Abstract

Experiencing urban green and blue spaces (GBSs) can be a nature-based solution to improve mental well-being and cope with negative moods for people exposed to PM_2.5 pollution. In this study, a total of 1257 photos were collected to recognize their posted emotions of Sina Weibo users from 38 parks in 22 cities in Northeast China in 2021, when atmospheric PM_2.5 and landscape metrics were evaluated for GBSs of each park. Autumn and winter had heavy atmospheric PM_2.5 pollutions in resource-dependent cities of Liaoning. Net positive emotions (happy minus sad scores) decreased in larger green spaces. The perception of blue space countered the presentation of sadness only for a limited period over four seasons. High elevation decreased the level of happiness presented in winter. Overall, this study confirms that visiting large urban green spaces at low elevations can benefit the perception of positive sentiments for people exposed to PM_2.5 in autumn. For planning urban forests in Northeast China, more green spaces should be constructed in cities in southern Jilin province to alleviate air PM_2.5 pollution and gain better well-being of local people.

Keywords

Urban forest park / Mental health and well-being / Green and blue infrastructures / Sustainable urban forests