THE GREEN SPACE AND SOCIAL IMPACT IN ALMATY CITY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL DATA ANALYSIS

Abstract

The theory of urban ecology tries to enhance the positive aspects of green space for humans, while at the same time decreasing the negative aspects of cities for the environment. These benefits are reflected in economic terms as they have a positive effect on real estate values, investment, tourism and the quality of life. In this study urban green space is defined as all urban land covered by vegetation of any kind. This covers vegetation on private and public grounds, irrespective of size and function, and can also include small water bodies such as ponds, lakes or streams. This study aims to find the relationship between green space abundance and social impact in particular on academic progress in Almaty city, South Kazakhstan. Data on green space, academic average point score, and nine possible confounding variables were collated. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Multivariate data analysis was performed to produce scatter plots that include regression lines. There was a positive relationship between the proportion of green space and better academic average scores per student after accounting for the possible confounding variables. This study provides some support for the idea that access to green space has a positive impact on academic progress, but by no means is it conclusive.

Keywords

• urban planning and development
• academic progress
• regression analysis
• kazakhstan