Assessing quantity and spatial patterns of greenspaces in Chinese universities for enhancing sustainable development

Bibliographic Data

ID21592425
AuthorsXinqun Yuan (0000-0002-7643-9605, Department of Earth System Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling Institute for Global Change Studies, Tsinghua University Beijing China), Xiyu Li (0000-0003-1905-4108, Department of Earth System Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling Institute for Global Change Studies, Tsinghua University Beijing China), Le Yu (0000-0003-3115-2042, Department of Earth System Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling Institute for Global Change Studies, Tsinghua University Beijing China, corresponding author), Tao Liu (0000-0001-5480-2568, Department of Earth System Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling Institute for Global Change Studies, Tsinghua University Beijing China), Yue Cao (0000-0002-9640-0003, Institute for National Parks Tsinghua University Beijing China)
Year2024
Volume78
Issue4
Publication date2024-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHigher Education Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0951-5224 • E-ISSN: 1468-2273
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hequ.12550
OpenAlexW4399384013
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited80

Greenspaces on university campuses have gained recognition for their multifaceted impact on the physical, social, emotional and intellectual well‐being of students. The allocation of resources towards the development and maintenance of greenspaces is regarded as a strategy in the pursuit of sustainable development goals. However, the research on greenspaces within higher education has been inadequate. This study conducts an assessment of greenspaces within 2556 Chinese universities using remote sensing and geospatial technology, analysing the disparities in their distribution and exploring the spatial patterns and driving factors on a national scale. A national university greenspace database is obtained. Unexpectedly, the study finds that greenspace area and proportion within Chinese universities are relatively low in comparison to the greenspace areas outside the campus and of the city. There is heterogeneity and a decreasing trend in university greenspace. Compared to university faculty and off‐campus population, university students have the lowest per capita greenspace area. Of concern is the significant issue of greenspace inequality. Our research suggests that the inequality in greenspace provision for university students can be explained by factors of economic development, educational investments and provincial greenspace supply. This study provides an in‐depth analysis of the state of greenspaces in Chinese universities and calls for interdisciplinary and interdepartmental cooperation to address issues of greenspace inequality and campus greening, ensuring the sustainability and livability of urban areas and university campuses

Geography · Political science · Sustainable development · Educational Environments and Student Outcomes · Urban Green Space and Health · Urban Heat Island Mitigation