Scientific knowledge of the health benefits of urban green and blue spaces is not being translated fast enough into practical and policy changes. Such changes are needed to improve the liveability of communities in large urban areas and to address the dual and growing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. A vast array of options can facilitate better design of urban settings to enhance natural environments and improve health. One is to increase tree coverage and green space to reduce the higher temperatures in cities and towns compared with rural areas.