Thesis subject
MSc thesis topic: Urban green inequality and its mismatches with socio-environmental demand across cities in the Netherlands
Urban green spaces (UGS) play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life in cities by providing environmental, social, and health benefits. However, these spaces are not equally distributed across urban landscapes. Some neighborhoods, particularly those with socio-environmental challenges, experience a greater need for UGS but often lack adequate provision.
This uneven distribution gives rise to two key issues: green inequality, where access to UGS varies across a city, and demand-based inequity, where the supply of green spaces does not align with the specific needs of local populations. Despite the growing recognition of these challenges, assessment of UGS inequality and inequity remain limited.
In the Netherlands, urban green spaces are shaped by a history of careful spatial planning, yet disparities persist within cities. Neighborhoods with higher population densities, lower socio-economic status, or environmental pressures—such as urban heat or flooding—often have less access to UGS, exacerbating social and environmental inequalities. While prior research has examined UGS accessibility in specific Dutch cities, few studies have systematically evaluated both the supply of green spaces and the demand driven by socio-environmental conditions.
Objectives and Research questions
This thesis aims to create a framework for evaluating the distribution of UGS and its alignment with local socio-environmental needs. Spatial multi-criteria analysis and spatial cluster analysis can be employed to perform the assessment across Dutch cities. The research aims to address the questions of:
- What spatial measures explain green accessibility and socio-environmental demands across Dutch cities?
- To what extent do UGS inequality and supply-demand mismatches vary across Dutch cities?
- What are the spatial patterns of green inequality and inequity in the Netherlands?
- How can the findings support Dutch urban planning policies to reduce disparities in UGS provision and promote equitable access?
Requirements
- GIS proficiency: Familiarity with GIS is essential. You’ll work with spatial data layers, perform analyses, and create maps.
- Python/R basics: Basic knowledge of Python or R is required. Some statical analysis needs to be adapted.
Literature and information
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-024-01874-4
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-32258-4
- https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030296
Theme(s): Modelling & visualisation; Human – space interaction