Assessment of the Temporal and Spatial Changes and Equity of Green Spaces in Guangzhou Central City Since the 21st Century

Green space (GS) equity is a crucial component of environmental justice. From the perspective of environmental justice, this study focuses on the equity of GS across sub-districts with varying GDP levels in Guangzhou, quantitatively assessing and comparing GS equity in areas with different development statuses. However, existing research still lacks sufficient exploration of the relationship between micro-scale socioeconomic indicators and GS equity. To address this gap, this study investigates the inequality of GS availability across neighborhoods during the rapid urbanization process in Guangzhou’s central urban area from 2000 to 2020. Key indicators for measuring GS availability—including GS area, per capita GS area, and NDVI—were selected and calculated for each sub-district in 2000 and 2020. This approach reveals spatial disparities in GS distribution between the two years. Subsequently, the Theil index and Gini index were employed to assess the degree of inequality in GS. Using GS area data and NDVI data, this study analyzes per capita GS area and NDVI values across sub-districts with different development levels in Guangzhou’s central urban area. Statistical methods such as the Theil index were then applied to evaluate the equity of these indicators. The findings indicate that between 2000 and 2020, Guangzhou experienced significant urbanization, a notable decline in total GS area, a marked improvement in NDVI values, and a substantial improvement in GS equity. There is a conflict between the supply of green resources and the demand for high-density economic/population centers. This research provides scientific evidence for urban planners and policymakers to promote the equitable distribution and sustainable development of GS.