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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Number of People With Access to Green Space

The number of individuals with access to green space can be used to assess the feasibility of developing new green spaces or to monitor the use of existing ones. The number of individuals with access to green space depends on the location of parks and green spaces and the maintenance of these spaces. This indicator is particularly relevant in urban areas, where the presence of green space has been linked to improved mental and physical health outcomes.1 Additionally, it can be used to monitor progress towards goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.2

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

The methodology for collecting data on this indicator will vary depending on the context in which it is being used. For example, in an urban area, a study might focus on the number of people living within a certain distance of a green space. In a rural area, data might be collected on the number of people who have access to green space through their workplace or home. Data on this indicator is available from a variety of sources, including national censuses, surveys, and administrative data. It is important to note that the definition of what constitutes green space can vary between countries and regions. As such, data on this indicator should be interpreted in the context in which it was collected.3

Examples

Study reveals millions live with poor access to green space

A study was conducted in England to determine the number of people with access to green space. The findings of the study revealed that one in five people across 1,257 neighborhoods are still struggling to access green space. According to the report, millions of people lack fundamental access to green space and wildlife, with poverty and ethnicity playing a significant role. According to the report, black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) populations are disproportionately affected by deteriorating environmental conditions because they often experience severe air pollution, a lack of green space, and a higher chance of being impacted by extreme weather.

https://www.theplanner.co.uk/news/study-reveals-millions-live-with-poor-access-to-green-space

1. Access to green and open spaces and the role of leisure services [Internet]. The King’s Fund. [cited 2022 Aug 4]. Available from: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/projects/improving-publics-health/access-green-and-open-spaces-and-role-leisure-services
2. Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities [Internet]. Nationalgeographic.org. [cited 2022 Aug 4]. Available from: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/sustainable-development-goal-11-sustainable-cities-and-communities
3. Green Space Index - explore local park provision in Britain [Internet]. Fields in Trust. [cited 2022 Aug 17]. Available from: https://www.fieldsintrust.org/green-space-index