Environmental justice in urban space provision – a Data2Resilience case study in Dortmund, Germany

• DOI: 10.5194/icuc12-1017
• Publication Date: 2025-05-21T15:10:32Z
• Authors: Charlotte Hüser; Panagiotis Sisman...; Luise Weickhmann; Jonas Kittner; Benjamin Bechtel; Vanessa Reinhart

Climate change presents significant challenges for urban areas, with heat waves posing a critical threat to urban resilience and liveability. New data-driven approaches can help to ensure equitable transformation of urban spaces while addressing environmental justice challenges. This study, done within the framework of the Data2Resilience (D2R) project, examines the distribution and quality of green spaces in Dortmund, Germany, through the lens of environmental justice. Therefore, we focuse on their societal value, accessibility, and role in mitigating heat exposure for vulnerable populations. Building on prior analyses of green space availability in Dortmund, we integrate demographic and vulnerability data to identify deficiencies in green space provision and quality. Hence, we consider both demand and supply criteria and quality characteristics, such as recreational features and noise pollution. The findings are synthesized into comprehensive maps, offering insights into environmental inequalities across Dortmund’s districts.We found disparities in green space distribution and quality, with socioeconomically disadvantaged districts often underserved. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance equitable green space accessibility and functionality, emphasizing their role in fostering environmental justice and climate resilience. The spatial distribution of the D2R observation network contributes to increased representation and visibility of vulnerable and undersupplied hot spots in Dortmund and therefore builds a foundation for the application of data-driven actions and measures towards an environmental just urban space.