Mapping Green Space Inequalities in 26 European Cities

Urban green spaces are a crucial element of sustainable urban development, but their uneven distribution exacerbates socio-spatial inequalities within cities. This study analyses spatial inequalities in the distribution and accessibility of urban green spaces in 26 European capitals, introducing the composite Urban Green Equity Index. The index incorporates three fundamental dimensions, availability, accessibility and need, aiming to provide a comprehensive picture of environmental inequalities in the urban fabric. The index is composed of seven variables including the percentage of green space, green space per capita, average access time, access time range, population density and the percentages of children and elderly people. Free geospatial and demographic data were used to calculate the variables. The variables were grouped into the corresponding thematic dimensions and then Principal Component Analysis was applied to compose the individual axes, based on which the composite index was calculated. The results were mapped and revealed strong inter-regional and intra-city differences, with Northern European cities showing higher equality compared to those in the South. The study highlights the importance of integrating socio-demographic indicators into urban planning and concludes that the assessment of urban green space requires a holistic, socially sensitive and methodologically sound approach for a just transition to sustainable cities.