Proposal and application of an environmental quality index for the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina

The development and use of indicators and indices is increasingly necessary to understand and properly size matters connected with the living conditions of the population at different levels. In Argentina, however, there is delay in the production of environmental indices in relation to others associated with social and economic variables. To fill this gap this paper proposes the development of an Environmental Quality Index (EQI) composed of 23 variables grouped into three indicators: (1) nature-based recreational resources; (2) socially constructed recreational resources; and (3) environmental problems. The index is applied to the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (Argentina) at a municipal level. The mapping of the environmental contrasts and spatial inequities of this megalopolis indicates the utility of the index which can also be used to formulate appropriate policies for environmental planning.