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Libby Zemaitis
Libby Zemaitis
Connecting leaders around climate resilience solutions
Published Sep 20, 2021
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Several years ago my interest was piqued upon hearing the term “green gentrification." Little did I know that my quick, deep dive into uncovering the definition would shift, and disturb, my professional work and sense of place forever.
Green gentrification describes inequities caused by environmental improvement projects. Greening can increase local property values, thereby attracting wealthier buyers and displacing existing, lower-income individuals and families.
“Eviction isn’t just a condition of poverty; it’s a cause of poverty. Eviction is a direct cause of homelessness, but it is also a cause of residential instability, school instability and community instability.” -Matthew Desmond, Eviction Lab
The power of a tree
A simple example of the effects of green gentrification can be seen through the value we place on one of our most basic natural assets: trees.
An effect called "art washing" exploits affordable public art to increase values similarly.
Most environmental groups aren't aiming to improve investment opportunities for the wealthy (I hope), but rather bring natural assets to underserved communities, like environmental justice areas.
Although distressed by the gentrification I'm witnessing in the Hudson Valley and around the country, I am hopeful that the major investments needed for climate action will be an opportunity to correct our past errors. To work toward greater equity, not greater disparity.
Why do we care?
Environmental organizations effect and are affected by social inequities like green gentrification in two key ways.
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A path forward
We should be improving and enriching our communities with nature and art, but not at the expense of our existing and most-vulnerable residents.
Solutions exist. Local governments can protect their residents from green gentrification and art washing by:
Equity tools for climate and environmental planning professionals
Learning more about the negative societal impacts of environmental planning, like green gentrification, has rocked me to my core. It's cheesy, but I really do believe that every challenge is an opportunity -that's why I can work on climate change every day. Bringing social equity into our conversation on climate action will lead us to more interesting and inclusive solutions. Here are some tools and strategies that I've found helpful.
Thank you for reading this, and please share what you're learning as we work to improve our landscapes while expanding our mindsets.
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