The relationship between green spaces and citizens’ perceptions in Europe: quality of life and role of per capita GDP

Urban green spaces are widely recognized for contributing numerous health and well-being advantages, including enhanced quality of life. Despite this, most research to date has concentrated on the city level, with a significant gap in large-scale studies, particularly across Europe. The connection between the benefits of green spaces and citizens' perceptions based on varying socio-economic factors between cities remains unproven. This study seeks to elucidate the link between urban green spaces, perceived life quality, environmental factors, social inclusion, and urban management across 51 European cities. It also examines the impact of per capita income on the effects of green spaces on overall life quality. By employing structural equation modeling, the study assesses the influence of green spaces on citizens' overall perceived quality of life, including aspects such as the environment, social inclusion, and urban management. Additionally, it explores the moderating role of the metropolitan gross domestic product per capita in this relationship. The findings affirm the positive impact of green spaces on the quality of life, with a more pronounced effect observed in cities with lower incomes. This research stands as one of the pioneering efforts to delve into the intricate mechanisms linking green spaces and citizen well-being on a continental scale, offering valuable insights for urban planners and European policy makers.