Green infrastructure, air quality and human health nexus : case study of Huelva, Spain
Bouhaloua, Ismail (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025100825764
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025100825764
Tiivistelmä
As urbanization accelerates globally, cities are increasingly challenged by deteriorating air quality and its implications for human well-being. Green Infrastructure (GI); urban trees, green roofs and walls, parks, and other vegetated surfaces; has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing air quality while making cities healthier, more livable environments. This thesis explores the relationship between green infrastructure, air quality, and public health through the case study of Huelva, Spain; a medium-sized coastal and industrial city with intense environmental pressures from traffic, port activity, and industrial zones.
To examine this nexus, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach with a systematic literature review, public perception survey (n=81) using a structured questionnaire, and quantitative analysis using Chi-square tests and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Four aims direct the study: Evaluating GI success in improving air quality; assessing its perceived health effect; understanding public awareness and attitude; and identifying best practice in GI implementation in urban planning.
The literature review explains how GI can improve air quality by filtration of pollutants and alteration of local airflow, with effectiveness varying according to species, spatial layout, and environmental setting. Survey findings report considerable public awareness and concern for air quality and broad agreement about the health benefits of GI: 78% of respondents linked GI with improved mental health, and 62% with respiratory health. However, 72% rated existing GI in their regions as poor, referencing political inaction, lack of funding, and low engagement levels. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant relationship between the type of residence and perceived air quality problem (p < 0.05), while PCA identified clusters of perception driven by socio-demographic factors such as education and residence location.
The report explains that while GI is largely perceived positively, its success on the ground depends on meticulous, inclusive planning. The suggestions include enhancing GI in low- income neighborhoods, developing green corridors along pedestrian and cycling paths, and increasing public participation in greening efforts.
To examine this nexus, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach with a systematic literature review, public perception survey (n=81) using a structured questionnaire, and quantitative analysis using Chi-square tests and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Four aims direct the study: Evaluating GI success in improving air quality; assessing its perceived health effect; understanding public awareness and attitude; and identifying best practice in GI implementation in urban planning.
The literature review explains how GI can improve air quality by filtration of pollutants and alteration of local airflow, with effectiveness varying according to species, spatial layout, and environmental setting. Survey findings report considerable public awareness and concern for air quality and broad agreement about the health benefits of GI: 78% of respondents linked GI with improved mental health, and 62% with respiratory health. However, 72% rated existing GI in their regions as poor, referencing political inaction, lack of funding, and low engagement levels. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant relationship between the type of residence and perceived air quality problem (p < 0.05), while PCA identified clusters of perception driven by socio-demographic factors such as education and residence location.
The report explains that while GI is largely perceived positively, its success on the ground depends on meticulous, inclusive planning. The suggestions include enhancing GI in low- income neighborhoods, developing green corridors along pedestrian and cycling paths, and increasing public participation in greening efforts.