International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

Exploring the Social Dimension of Community Resilience Against Air Pollution: Assessment and System Thinking in Tehran’s District Six

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 M.Sc., Construction Management and Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Independent Researcher, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD in Urbanism, Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Engineering, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Payame Noor University (PNU), P.O. Box, 19395-3697 Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Urban air pollution is a major environmental challenge that poses serious threats to public health and the resilience of urban communities. Traditional assessment approaches often overlook the complex interactions within urban systems and their long-term consequences. This study focuses on Tehran’s District 6, aiming to evaluate the relationship between air pollution and urban resilience, particularly among vulnerable social groups. A structured quantitative and spatial analysis was conducted using air quality data from the year 2024. The analysis focused on key pollutants including nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. These data were integrated with Sentinel-5P satellite imagery through a geographic information system to assess spatial distribution patterns. Social and demographic indicators such as population, population density, number of households, and vulnerability of specific groups were overlaid to identify zones of increased exposure. The results showed that pollution levels in District 6 frequently surpassed acceptable thresholds, especially in densely populated areas. High-risk zones were identified where vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and women of reproductive age face elevated exposure. These patterns suggest significant disparities in how environmental risks affect different social groups, raising concerns about social resilience in the face of persistent air pollution. While the study reveals important insights into the spatial and social dimensions of air pollution, it also highlights the complexity of assessing urban resilience. Future research should adopt a multidimensional framework that reflects the unique social, environmental, and institutional context of each urban area. Moreover, integrating economic tools such as cost-benefit analysis is essential for evaluating the feasibility and impact of policy responses.

Graphical Abstract

Exploring the Social Dimension of Community Resilience Against Air Pollution: Assessment and System Thinking in Tehran’s District Six

Highlights

  • Vulnerable groups in District 6 face significant exposure to air pollution.
  • Social resilience is unevenly impacted by demographic and spatial factors.exceeding standard thresholds.
  • Overlay analysis identifies critical zones where air pollution significantly impacts social resilience.
  • Resilience assessments require context-specific and multidimensional frameworks.
  • Economic tools like cost-benefit analysis enhance sustainable policy planning.

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  • Receive Date 07 February 2025
  • Revise Date 14 April 2025
  • Accept Date 01 June 2025