Fewer than 15% of people living in European cities meet a widely used benchmark for access to trees and green space.
The “3-30-300” principle sets three targets for urban greenery: at least three trees visible from every home, 30% tree canopy cover in each neighbourhood, and a high-quality green space within 300 metres, the European Commission informed on Monday.
Across the population studied, 13.5% lived in areas meeting all three targets, while 21% lived in places meeting none of them.
The research was carried out by the European Commission with the University of Copenhagen using high-resolution satellite imagery and socio-economic data.
The findings showed a “green divide”, with wealthier neighbourhoods having higher tree cover and better access to nature than lower-income areas.
Big differences between cities
Compliance varied sharply across Europe, with higher rates reported in Helsinki (57%), Hamburg (55%) and Krakow (47%), the Commission said.
Much lower rates were reported in Athens (3.3%), Palermo (1.9%) and Cordoba (1.0%).
Cities with higher GDP per person generally provided more access to green space, with median compliance below 10% in the lowest GDP category and around 15% to 20% in the highest category.
The study also found that, across Europe, residents with higher disposable incomes tended to live in areas with greater access to nature.
