Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In the context of escalating public health crises in megacities, promoting green and healthy urban spatial development is crucial. It not only contributes to economic growth and environmental sustainability but also significantly impacts the public health of urban residents. METHODS: This study utilized land use data from 2000 to 2021 in Chongqing, China, to investigate the characteristics and patterns of change in urban green space distribution. Spatial analysis methods were employed, and an econometric model was constructed to analyze the mechanisms of these changes, considering factors such as economic drivers, governmental regulation, and social dynamics. RESULTS: The results reveal that urban green spaces in the Chongqing metropolitan area are primarily concentrated in the inner suburbs with limited distribution in central urban areas, exhibiting a distinct spatial gradient. The overall size of urban green spaces has been decreasing, particularly in the inner suburbs. The primary patterns of this reduction include edge erosion in the inner suburbs, inward contraction in central urban areas, and minor perforation in new towns. DISCUSSION: The analysis indicates that economic drivers, such as industrial development and economic growth, are the dominant factors contributing to the reduction of urban green spaces. The impact of social dynamics, such as public demand, appears to be relatively insignificant. Conversely, government planning policies and public investments play a crucial role in the protection and development of urban green spaces. These findings emphasize the need for effective urban planning strategies that prioritize the conservation and expansion of green spaces to enhance public health and environmental sustainability in megacities.