We live in a time when caring for the environment and a green lifestyle are very important. It turns out that in addition to helping the planet, growing up in a place with lots of greenery helps you grow up to be a smarter person.

Belgian researchers at Hasselt University have no doubt. Growing up in a green environment boosts children’s IQ.

Researchers at Hasselt University analysed more than 600 children aged 10-15 and found out that a three per cent increase in the greenness of a child’s neighbourhood made their IQ score increase by 2.6 points. As ekologia.pl reports, this pattern was found in children from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Belgian experts say there is considerable evidence that green spaces have a positive impact on children's cognitive development. However, the study conducted was the first to analyse IQ levels. It is not known exactly why this is the case, but a green environment improves intelligence levels of young people. This may be related to lower stress levels, more fun and social contact, or a calmer environment.

"There is more and more evidence that green surroundings are associated with our cognitive function, such as memory skills and attention. What this study adds with IQ is a harder, well-established clinical measure. I think city builders or urban planners should prioritise investment in green spaces because it is really of value to create an optimal environment for children to develop their full potential," said Tim Nawrot, a professor of environmental epidemiology at Hasselt University in Belgium, told The Guardian in an interview.

The study, published in the Plos Medicine journal, used satellite imagery to measure the level of greenness in the neighbourhoods where the children lived. It found that the average IQ score was 105, but the experts noted that 4% of children who did not have access to green spaces had an IQ score of less than 80. It is worth noting that no person tested who grew up in the vicinity of parks, trees and gardens scored less than 80.

The researchers also examined children's behavioural difficulties, and the average score was 46. In this case, a 3% increase in greenery resulted in a two-point reduction in these problems. Experts, however, are unable to determine why green spaces have a positive effect on children's intelligence. They can only suggest that every parent should choose to raise their offspring among trees and with access to parks.

Source: ekologia.pl, The Guardian