If this idea seems obvious, here is the science that makes the case. Society should treat access to nature as core social infrastructure and “prescribe” it at scale to heal both individual bodies and a fraying civic fabric. Long treated as a backdrop, nature is a low-cost, high-leverage intervention that measurably improves physical and mental health while strengthening social connection and civic empathy. To address loneliness, polarization, and chronic illness, we need structural “nature prescriptions” embedded in cities, schools, and health systems—not just lifestyle advice.

There is now substantial evidence that nature heals both bodies and minds. Studies show exposure to nature improves attention and working memory, with measurable test-score gains after walking in parks compared with city streets. Even images of nature can help. Hospital patients with views of trees recover faster, require less pain medication, and receive better evaluations from nurses than those facing brick walls. Time in nature is also associated with lower blood pressure, reduced diabetes risk, improved mood, faster healing, and relief of ADHD symptoms comparable to medication. Natural sounds also improve cognitive performance compared with urban noise.

Researchers are increasingly recognizing nature as a form of social technology. Experiments show nature experiences increase self-transcendence, spiritual reflection, and concern for others, while commercial environments like malls tend to heighten impulse and self-focus.

Even small local changes matter. Adding ten healthy trees to a city block correlates with residents reporting better health comparable to being richer or younger, along with modest reductions in stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Researchers describe this emerging field as “environmental neuroscience.” The bad news is that environments can be designed to elicit cruelty or obedience. The good news is that they can also be designed to nurture empathy, self-control, and prosocial behavior.

This article is a helpful overview. In addition to summarizing the many benefits for both individuals and society, the author, Oliver Milman, also traces our systemic divorce from nature and highlights how inequity, justice, and politics shape who actually has access to these benefits.

ARTICLE: Society Needs A Doctor’s Prescription For Nature

‍