Territorial inequality and spatial justice. How level is the sustainable development playing field?

Abstract

Currently, inequality levels are on the rise although the spatial dimension of social, economic and environmental justice is also gaining prominence. At the same time, progressive institutional changes are underway in many cities and regions. This paper looks at these paradigm shifts through the lenses of sustainable well-being and of spatial justice. It also reflects on the concepts of territorial disparity and scarcity of resources, as well as on the challenges of assessing spatial justice. Finally, the paper discusses the role of spatial planning in tackling these issues, in the light of current approaches to sustainable development such as the circular economy.