I could not let Black History Month pass without sharing a pressing public health issue I recently learned about: green gentrification, which disproportionately affects people of color and historically marginalized communities.
On one hand, green initiatives like creating greenways, planting trees, and building parks promote physical activity, access to healthy food, and a sense of community, all linked to better human health and well-being. On the flip side, these initiatives can also drive up housing prices, attract wealthier residents, and displace low-income residents, particularly renters, who can no longer afford to live in these neighborhoods. This exclusion and displacement due to greening efforts is called green gentrification. Even residents who have not been displaced yet may feel a lower sense of community in green spaces and may use them less often than newcomers, ironically undermining the very purpose of these amenities. These circumstances exacerbate health, environmental, and socio-economic disparities, impacting the very residents these greening projects were intended to benefit.
Gentrification is a symptom of decades of systemic biases and racism that have disadvantaged certain communities. As cities undertake green projects to address the need for more trees, parks, and clean transportation options, these projects must be paired with policies that prioritize equity such as providing affordable housing. Some US cities are already implementing anti-displacement strategies and laws to support affordable housing, rent stabilization, eviction protection, and strategies to cap property taxes, all aimed at combating green gentrification.
Addressing green gentrification is not a quick fix, but rather requires multiple stakeholders to tackle decades of underinvestment in communities. “Policymakers, planners, parks and housing advocates, and local community-based organizations are increasingly recognizing the threat of green gentrification and taking action to limit displacement.” You can also play a part by staying informed and participating in your community, using this information to advocate for better alternatives for your community.
Together, we can work towards more equitable and inclusive green initiatives that benefit everyone.
You can find my references and additional information here:
When Green Spaces Displace Residents, Our Cities’ Health Suffers (nextcity.org)
Green Gentrification and Health: A Scoping Review - PMC (nih.gov)
A Challenge for Cities: Going Green, Without the Gentrification - Bloomberg