Press release -

Researchers: Other countries can learn from Sweden in tackling social distance

In two reports, Google show that when we are practicing social distancing, contact with nature becomes more important for people’s well-being, This is in line with previous research at the University of Gävle.

Two reports from Google show people’s movements during the corona crisis. Sweden stands out, since restrictions are less strict than in other countries, but it becomes clear that in Sweden people visit green spaces within and near cities more often than they used to.

Karl Samuelsson

“We are not surprised. Our research shows that people recuperate and find a sense of meaning and belonging in nature, and these reports from Google indicate that this becomes even more important when we practice social distancing like we do now because of COVID-19,” Karl Samuelsson, environmental researcher at the University of Gävle, says.

Karl points out that we need to rethink nature’s ability not only to provide resilience during natural catastrophes, but also its ability to strengthen people’s mental and physical well-being during a crisis.

“We need to use nature-based solutions to a much greater extent than what we have done.”

Sweden can set an example

The environmental researchers from Gävle see this crisis as an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about human conditions and humans’ relationship to their habitat.

Stephan Barthel

“Here, other countries can learn from Sweden. When they open up their societies again, what is it that people want when they are let out from their flats? These studies from Google show that Sweden can set an example for other countries,” says Stephan Barthel, director for Sustainable Urban Development at the University of Gävle.

Google: (2020a). COVID19: Community Mobility Reports. Retrieved April 5, 2020, from: https://www.google.com/covid19/mobility/

Google: (2020b) Sweden March 29, 2020 Mobility changes. Retrieved from: https://www.google.com/covid19/mobility/

Article


Contact:

Karl Samuelsson, environmental researcher at the University of Gävle.
Phone: 073-759 08 50
E-mail: karl.samuelsson@hig.se

Stephan Barthel, director for Sustainable Urban Development, University of Gävle.
Phone: 076-360 57 05
E-mail: stephan.barthel@hig.se


Text: Douglas Öhrbom
Phone Stephan Barthel och Karl Samuelsson: Anna Sällberg

Topics

  • Environmental politics

Categories

  • health-giving nature
  • nature in cities
  • university of gävle
  • research
  • sustainable living environment
  • corona
  • covid-19
  • sustainable urban areas
  • city planning
  • environmental psychology
  • social distancing
  • urban studio
  • karl samuelsson
  • matteo giusti
  • gloria macassa
  • stephan barthel
  • quarantine

Education and Research at a Scenic Campus.
The University of Gävle has approximately 17 000 students, more than 50 study programmes and second-cycle programmes, about 1 000 courses in humanities, social and natural sciences and technology.

Research Profiles
Built Environment and Health-promoting Working Life are the general research profiles of the higher education institution. Important parts included are Spatial Planning with a specialisation in Sustainable Built Environment and Musculoskeletal Disorders with the purpose to prevent work-related injuries. In 2010, the higher education institution received permission to carry out third-cycle programmes in the profile area of Built Environment.
The higher education institution has applied for permission to carry out third-cycle programmes in technology, humanities and social sciences.