Avoiding the effects of climate change should not be a privilege for the wealthy.
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.
FULL STORY: This Luxury Tower Has Everything: Pools. A Juice Bar. And Flood Resilience.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
Alaska Village Becomes Test Case for Climate Change Relocation
The Yup’ik village of Newtok is the first Alaska community to begin a full-scale relocation necessitated by the impacts of climate change. Another 31 Alaska communities remain vulnerable.
Amtrak Takes Lead on Texas Central Rail
The high-speed rail project isn’t a done deal, but if it moves forward, trains could begin operating in 2030.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.