Climate Adaptation as a Racial Project: An Analysis of Color-Blind Flood Resilience Efforts in Austin, Texas

Abstract

As awareness of climate change increases, U.S. cities are beginning to implement climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives to reduce population vulnerabilities to climate risks. This study contributes to a growing literature that quantitatively describes the relationships between sociodemographic variables and climate adaptation interventions in U.S. cities. Ordinary linear and simultaneous autoregressive models are used to evaluate early flood adaptation actions in Austin, Texas, to assess relationships between flood risk, green infrastructure, and measures of race and income. Findings of unequal exposure to flood risk and uneven access to flood resilience initiatives contribute to our understanding of color-blind urban planning responses to climate change and their potential to amplify inequitable protection from climate risks.