Spatial–Temporal Patterns and Inequality in Greenspaces in Chinese Campuses

Abstract

This study employs geographic information technology and remote sensing techniques to conduct a comprehensive assessment of greenspaces in over 12,000 primary schools, 13,000 secondary schools and more than 2500 universities in China. The aim is to reveal the heterogeneity in the quantity and spatial distribution of greenspaces in Chinese campuses and to analyse the factors influencing the inequality of campus greenspaces, thereby providing strategic recommendations for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The research findings indicate that primary and secondary schools have a lower average area and proportion of greenspaces compared to universities. Specifically, university teachers and students enjoy the largest per capita greenspace area, while primary school teachers and students have the smallest per capita greenspace area. Moreover, more than half of the schools show a downward trend in greenspace area. The study also reveals significant heterogeneity in greenspace coverage and per capita greenspace area among different regions and provinces. The results of variance analysis show that the greenspace coverage and per capita greenspace area within schools and universities are significantly lower than those outside areas of campuses. Furthermore, it is found that there is a high level of inequality in per capita greenspace area in urban areas and per capita greenspace area of teachers and students. This study further explores the driving factors affecting the inequality of campus greenspaces. Increasing the per capita greenspace area for teachers and students and the proportion of campus greenspace can alleviate the inequality in greenspaces for teachers and students. An increase in per capita gross regional product, educational expenditure and urban greenspace areas may require more policy support to ensure the fair distribution of per capita greenspace in campuses, thereby alleviating campus greenspace inequality.