What Journalists Should Know About the Call for Equitable Urban Green Infrastructure

As cities worldwide embrace green infrastructure projects for their myriad benefits, a critical concern arises: are these initiatives truly equitable? Researchers and practitioners warn that without a keen understanding of historical development patterns and past discriminatory practices, urban greening projects risk exacerbating social and racial inequalities.

In a paper published in the journal Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, a group of experts outlines the necessity of adopting a justice-oriented approach to urban greening. Led by Rebecca Walker from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, along with Kate Derickson from the University of Minnesota and Maike Hamann from the University of Exeter, the paper underscores the imperative of working collaboratively with communities, particularly marginalized groups, to ensure equitable outcomes.

"For the environmental and ecological questions, we have a pretty good handle on what we need to do. The questions that are the hardest and the most important for people to tackle are how to work well with communities, particularly marginalized communities," said Walker.

While the environmental benefits of green infrastructure are well-documented—ranging from flood and heat mitigation to carbon sequestration and enhanced well-being—its distribution across urban landscapes is far from equitable. The researchers highlight stark examples, such as water quality standards in cities like St. Louis, Missouri, where historically discriminatory policies have resulted in disparate management practices between white and Black neighborhoods.

Addressing these underlying inequalities requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges historical injustices and actively engages with affected communities. Planners must consider the scale of projects and their potential impact on local communities. For instance, the paper references a wetlands mitigation program in Mississippi that inadvertently harmed a Black community already vulnerable to natural disasters.

Central to the researchers' recommendations is the importance of building meaningful relationships with communities and embracing uncertainty in project outcomes. By prioritizing community input and co-creation, planners can ensure that green infrastructure projects align with the needs and priorities of residents. This approach not only fosters greater equity but also guards against the unintended consequences of gentrification and displacement.

Moreover, the researchers advocate for modest, community-driven projects over large-scale, developer-oriented initiatives. By empowering residents to shape their urban environments, cities can foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, thereby promoting social cohesion and resilience.