Unveiling environmental inequalities in high-density Asian city: City-scaled comparative analysis of green space coverage within 10-minute walk from private, public, and rural housing

Abstract

While increasing studies acknowledge the potential of green spaces to alleviate urban environmental problems in high-density cities, there is growing attention to the socio-spatial inequalities in green space allocation. Few studies have assessed these inequalities by considering the green space coverage along citizens’ walking trips from their homes within the context of pedestrian-centric and mixed-residential developments in high-density cities. Therefore, this study (1) evaluated green space coverage near home and within residents’ 10-minute walk from each residential building in Hong Kong, (2) estimated the population living in green space-deprived environments, and (3) explored their relationships with socioeconomic and built-environment characteristics. Results revealed that private housing residents living in lower-income and higher-density areas in the urban core were the most prone to low green space coverage. In contrast, public housing consistently offered medium levels of green space coverages regardless of community income and urban form. Additionally, high-density new town development demonstrated the potential for equitable green space allocation across different housing types. As cities increasingly embrace high-density development and promote active transportation, this study provides valuable insights for implementing housing and greening initiatives that foster healthy living environments in high-density cities.