Work

The World Cup reshaped the urban green space pattern of Qatar

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The World Cup is the most momentous single sporting event in the world and it has profoundly impacted the urban green space (UGS) of host cities. However, the impacts, processes, and patterns characteristic of the World Cup on UGS are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we use time-series satellite imagery and calculated NDVI in detailed maps of UGS in Qatar from 2000-2022. We quantitatively assess UGS coverage, UGS landscape patterns, and UGS exposure before and after the World Cup. We also compiled seven greening cases in Qatar and compared the greening process in three cities of neighboring countries to contextually analyze the impact of the World Cup on UGS in Qatar. Results show that (1) The World Cup significantly contributed to the growth of the UGS, UGS growth accounted for 94.3% of the overall increase in the built-up area during the World Cup which added an area equivalent to 38 Manhattan Central Parks. (2) The World Cup resulted in more complex and fragmented UGS landscapes, with the degree of change in the landscape index within the built-up area 35 times greater than the degree of change during the pre-World Cup period. (3) The World Cup improved the minimum level of green exposure of the citizens by 8.7 times, and it has contributed to the multifaceted urban greening of Qatar, propelling the country to stand out in the regional greening process as a model for other cities. The study confirms that the World Cup has promoted and reshaped urban green space in Qatar and provides new insights into the World Cup's contribution to urban greening and sustainable urban development.

Source: Ecological Informatics

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102551