Urbanization has significantly affected the availability and quality of urban green and bluespaces (UGBS), as increasing development often reduces these essential natural features. The intensification of urban landscapes frequently prioritizes infrastructure over nature, resulting in a scarcity of UGBS, which are crucial for promoting mental health. Mental health trends in the United States show an increasing prevalence of anxiety and depression, particularly in urbanized areas. This study examines the relationship between exposure to UGBS and mental health across the contiguous US (CONUS), focusing on physical coverage, and potential human exposure. Using remote sensing, GIS, and spatial statistical analysis, our research examines how varying levels of green and bluespace exposure, as key Nature-Based Solutions, influence mental health in urban environments. The findings will inform urban planning strategies that seek to enhance environmental health by incorporating UGBS into city landscapes, ultimately supporting mental well-being in increasingly dense urban environments.
