Inclusive green environment for all? An investigation of spatial access equity of urban green space and associated socioeconomic drivers in China

The inequitable distribution of urban green spaces (UGS) has attracted increasing attention given the important role of green environments for sustainable development. However, many recent studies have yielded different results between cities in different geographic regions and development stages and even within the same city. Hence, this study addresses two research gaps in the green justice literature: (1) What are the spatial equity levels of different types of UGS, and what are their differences as well as spatial distribution characteristics? (2) What differences exist in the spatial equity levels of UGS in cities at various socioeconomic stages? On the basis of these gaps, we explain why contradictory findings have been found in the existing literature. This study focuses on three types of UGS in China, namely, community green spaces, street greenery, and public parks, and explores the driving effects of socioeconomic factors on the spatial equity of UGS in 263 Chinese cities. The results show that GDP and the population growth rate increase the spatial equity of community green spaces and street greenery. By contrast, economic development and increased in-migration can worsen the equity level of public green space accessibility. Our study provides evidence and insights for Chinese central and local governments to implement highly effective and sustainable greening programs to promote inclusive urban greening in Chinese cities.