Spatial distribution of vegetation in Montreal: An uneven distribution or environmental inequity?

A growing body of research suggests that vegetation is not distributed across cities equitably, but that lower income neighborhoods and areas with higher proportions of minorities have reduced access to parks and green space. This study of Montreal, Canada, used high resolution Quickbird satellite imagery, data from the Canada Census, and GIS data from the City of Montreal to correlate the amount of vegetation with the low income population and the population of minorities. Results for low-income people showed a significant and negative association with all vegetation indicators. The results for minorities were less clear suggesting that minorities have less access to trees and shrubs on public land, less access to vegetation at the block level, but slightly more access to trees and shrubs in private yards. The authors explore possible explanations for these differences and suggest future avenues for research.