Public Green Spaces and Environmental Justice

Correlations in Ribeirão Preto – SP

Abstract

Objective – This study aims to analyze spatial inequalities and correlations between social and environmental factors in the municipality of Ribeirão Preto (SP), using public green spaces as a central and articulating element.
Methodology – The research employed geoprocessing and statistical analyses to correlate the distance to public green spaces with environmental factors (flood-prone areas and surface temperature) and their respective variabilities with social factors (income and race) for each census tract analyzed.
Originality/Relevance – The theoretical–methodological development of these analyses is significantly important for identifying socio-spatial specificities and supporting more just, equitable, and territorially redistributive urban public policies, in line with the right to the city and the principles of socio-environmental justice.
Results – The findings show that areas with higher flood risk are closer to low-income populations and farther from the white population; temperatures tend to decrease as income increases; Shorter distances to green spaces are associated with lower temperatures and reduced flood risk, highlighting the potential of these green infrastructures in promoting environmental justice. The improvement of public green spaces should be considered to bring benefits to the population.
Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The research advances the investigation of geoprocessing tools and statistical analyses to correlate social and environmental factors that highlight more vulnerable territories.
Social and Environmental Contributions – The study sheds light on urban and environmental vulnerabilities in precarious territories and seeks to contribute to debates and policies aimed at reversing processes of exclusion and vulnerability.