Public risk perceptions and urban greenery: a public participation GIS approach in the petrochemical clusters of Camp de Tarragona

Identifier:  imarina:9596589

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9596589

Authors:  Gheitasi, Mahdi; Serrano Gine, David; Perez Albert, Yolanda

Abstract:
Petrochemical clusters are critical industrial zones where crude oil and natural gas compounds and polymers are processed, which pose significant risks to the environment and to public health. As landscapes increasingly combine urban and industrial elements, understanding public perceptions of technological risks in such environments is essential to promote resilient and sustainable urban environments. The study uses the Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) to assess local perceptions of industrial risks in petrochemical clusters, in particular in the Camp de Tarragona area, and to examine the relationship between these perceptions and the proximity of urban green areas. The findings reveal important differences: almost half of the participant-defined risk points are in line with official risk zones, but many are not, indicating gaps in risk communication and highlighting socio-cultural factors that shape risk perceptions. Although a negative correlation between Distance to Participants' location and risk perception was found, no significant correlation was found between the presence of green areas as environmental features and risk perception. Despite possible bias in the self-reported data and demographic exclusion, the study highlights the importance of incorporating community input into urban planning and risk-management strategies. By involving public perception in the decision-making process, this participative approach enhances the accuracy of risk assessment and enhances public confidence. The paper advocates inclusive, green infrastructure-based frameworks for urban planning which can reduce industrial risks, improve public health outcomes and promote social cohesion in industrial landscapes.