Centering Equity in Climate Adaptation

Resilience as a response to climate is inadequate, argues Matt Shaw. "Instead, we should focus on equity-minded climate adaptation, on structural changes that will reimagine new urban futures under climate change. Effective adaptation will protect both the physical environment and the social fabric of neighborhoods."

An approach that focuses on pushing back against nature instead of adapting to it will leave vulnerable communities facing the worst consequences. "The real challenge comes not from the environment but from wealth-vested interests, both public and private, that use the language of resilience to fortify themselves at the expense of lower-income and vulnerable populations," says Shaw.

Equity needs to be part of a broader strategy that does not depend on fortifying and protecting the privileged. "Rather than systemic change and a path toward cities and communities adapted for new climate realities, we risk building a green-washed version of what is already not working: a built environment that is both environmentally and socially unjust," adds Shaw.