Sustainability and Affordability Don't Always Go Hand in Hand

Andrew Ross, op-ed columnist for the New York Times makes the argument that cities need to include all demographics in sustainability planning.

"Whereas uptown populations are increasingly sequestered in green showpiece zones, residents in low-lying areas who cannot afford the low-carbon lifestyle are struggling to breathe fresh air or are even trapped in cancer clusters. You can find this pattern in many American cities. The problem is that the carbon savings to be gotten out of this upscale demographic - which represents one in five American adults and is known as Lohas, an acronym for 'lifestyles of health and sustainability' - can't outweigh the commercial neglect of the other 80 percent. If we are to moderate climate change, the green wave has to lift all vessels."

Ross argues for infill opportunities, utility pricing that encourages renewable energy development and redevelopment in urban cores that serves existing residents.

Thanks to Cathie Pagano