Locating injustice: How accessibility and land-use policy shape the spatial distribution of logistics warehouses in Fortaleza,Brazil

Abstract

This article examines the environmental justice implications of warehouse location policies in Fortaleza, Brazil, through spatial analysis techniques. By employing local indicators of spatial association and spatial clustering methods, the research investigates the relationship between warehouse distribution and socio-economic inequalities. The study reveals that the public policies led to a disproportionate concentration of logistics facilities in low Human Development Index areas, exacerbating transportation-related externalities. These policies have contributed to a spatial mismatch where vulnerable communities are more exposed to environmental burdens. The accessibility index, calculated using exploratory factor analysis, highlights significant inequities in urban freight infrastructure. The study underscores the necessity of reforming land-use and zoning regulations to ensure a fairer distribution of logistics facilities, aligning them with principles of environmental justice and sustainable development. By integrating spatial accessibility indicators into policy frameworks, this research advocates for inclusive urban planning strategies that mitigate the socio-environmental impacts on marginalised communities and address transport disparities through equitable policies.