Unearthing the Hidden Health Divide in Urban Landscapes

Queen's University Belfast is addressing critical societal and environmental challenges through its innovative research on green space distribution. By examining the links between urban green spaces, health inequalities, and socio-economic disparities, the university is shedding light on a pressing global issue with significant implications for public health and urban planning.

The Challenge of Unequal Distribution of Green Spaces

Green spaces play a vital role in promoting physical and mental well-being. They offer areas for recreation, social interaction, and environmental benefits, such as improved air quality and temperature regulation. However, these spaces are not equally distributed, particularly in urban areas where socio-economic factors often determine availability and quality. This inequity poses significant challenges, as individuals in deprived communities are disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes.

Transformative Research on Green Space and Health Inequality

Queen’s researchers from the School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences conducted a detailed study to explore the inequities in green space distribution and their associations with the number of preventable deaths. The study revealed that the most deprived urban neighbourhoods in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland had the least quantity of green space.

Using robust spatial data and advanced statistical techniques, the research underscored the systemic nature of green space disparities and how these inequities align with broader patterns of socio-economic deprivation. Importantly, the study highlighted how these inequities in distribution of green space associated with the higher number of preventable deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for policy-driven solutions.

In England, with every 1% increase of greenspace in a geographic area, the annual count of preventable deaths among the most deprived neighbourhoods was lower by 37%. In NI and Scotland, with every 1% increase of greenspace in a geographic area, the 5-year accumulated count of preventable deaths among the most deprived neighbourhoods was lower by approximately 37% and 41%, respectively.

"Green spaces are more than just parks; they are lifelines for healthy, equitable, and sustainable communities. By addressing disparities in access, we can build cities that nurture well-being for everyone."

- Dr. Ngan T. Tran

Driving Policy and Community Impact

The findings from this research have significant implications for urban planning and public health policy. They highlight the necessity of designing urban environments that prioritize equitable access to green spaces, particularly for underserved communities. Recommendations from the study include integrating green infrastructure into urban planning frameworks and targeting investments in deprived areas to ensure that residents benefit from improved public spaces.

This research has the potential to inform city planners, policymakers, and community organizations, providing a roadmap for creating healthier and more equitable urban environments. By addressing the problem of green space inequality and its association with preventable deaths with real-world data, Queen's University Belfast provides evidence-informed recommendations helping to pave the way for sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Impact related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Learn more about Queen’s University’s commitment to nurturing a culture of sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research and education.