Segregating by Greening: What do We Mean by Green Gentrification?

Abstract

We clarify the relationship between greening and gentrification by examining the sociospatial dynamics that characterize and drive “green gentrification.” Through a conversation with the growing literature on green gentrification, we show that this relationship is nuanced and contingent upon contextual factors and we depict the exclusions at stake. In short, green gentrification is a process that generates urban green sacrifice zones, by which historically marginalized residents are forced away from greener neighborhoods, often segregated to greyer and climate-insecure areas, and which includes feedback loops of accelerated greening and exclusive investments. We conclude with future policy directions to address these green inequalities.