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Abstract

Urban greenspaces provide various benefits for human well-being. Despite the overall improvement in greenspace exposure in the 21st century, it remains unclear whether the distribution and improvement of greenspaces, particularly urban trees, are equitable across population demographics and regions. Here, we quantified disparities in urban tree exposure across various population groups and age cohorts in 1,057 cities globally over a 15-year period (2000–2015). Our analysis revealed persistent and deepening disparities in tree exposure, with cities identified as the least or most exposed in 2000 largely remaining unchanged until 2015, indicating a lack of progress in equitable greening. Notably, the disparity between regions with higher and lower tree exposure widened from 2.7% to 5.9%, in contrast to the nearly doubling of the global average urban tree exposure during the same timeframe. Sex-based differences in exposure are minimal; however, age-related disparities are significant, with older populations experiencing the most exposure and youths the least. This trend intensified over time, while exacerbating exposure disparities and disadvantaging younger demographics. Our findings illuminate challenges in attaining Sustainable Development Goal 11, particularly the aim of universal access to green and public spaces for women, children, and older persons. These insights underscore the need for nuanced urban greening policies that not only expand green cover but also address persistent disparities and prioritize the needs of socially vulnerable subpopulations.