Resilience in the dust: The influence of sand and dust storms (SDSs) on residents' perception of urban green spaces: A qualitative study

Abstract

Sand and dust storms (SDSs) cause significant challenges to arid and semiarid regions exacerbated by climate change. These natural hazards directly and indirectly impact human health, the environment, economies, and urban life. To explore residents' perceptions and lived experiences of SDSs and their effects on urban green spaces (UGSs), we conducted a qualitative study using Grounded Theory (GT) in Ahvaz, Iran. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 53 residents in various UGSs negatively affected by SDSs. Thematic analysis was employed to extract the codes after transcribing the interviews to develop the study model. The study revealed a core category: "the occurrence of dust as a crisis and danger in urban life," along with categories shedding light on the substantial influence of SDSs on various aspects of urban life. The study emphasized that citizens avoid UGSs during SDSs due to health risks, declining social interactions, reduced mobility, and increased confinement at home, all resulting in a diminished sense of belonging, social deprivation, and a decline in social capital. The findings underscore the urgent need for effective measures to control dust storms and mitigate their impact on urban life in urban management.