Green and Gentrified | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
News

Green and Gentrified

Issues of environmentalism should always include a class critique

44
Green and Gentrified

The installation of vegetation and greener spaces in urban centers has recently gained popularity as the public consciousness on environmental issues continues to rise. Phenomenon such as "topping out" (when buildings construct rooftops equipped with trees and shrubbery) have begun to spring up in affluent areas. However, something that is not often discussed is the way in greening spaces can be directly linked to the displacement of working class people. A good example of this displacement occurred with the construction of the New York City Highline. A 2018 study stated that this issue of gentrification is not necessarily an issue of environmental justice, but distributional justice, as the "amenities" of "green space provision" often have large disparities between white affluent people and low income minorities. Recent fights for increases in green spaces have targeted parks, open spaces etc. in lower income neighborhoods. This targeting of lower income communities is intentional, as the surrounding property values are often depressed (allowing for developers to exploit rent gaps). These developments often drive up the surrounding property values after they are fully constructed, attracting more affluent outsiders to move in, and therefore driving out the current residents.

The displacement of lower income residents after the construction of green infrastructure is even more hypocritical when the issue of environment related health complications is illuminated (such as the tendency for individuals in lower-income areas to develop asthma because of increased air pollutants). This increased concentration in adverse health effects makes it logical to think that those in poorer communities would benefit the most from installations of green infrastructure and the increased emphasis on implementing more green spaces. However, because of the rising property values associated with green installments, the residents that need the enhanced air quality the most are denied access to it.

This phenomenon of denying lower-income communities access to these green spaces speaks to the capitalist prioritization of profit over human well-being. It is clear that the resources to develop green spaces in our city are available and plentiful, but only those in the upper-class can reap the fruits of these developments.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

188596
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13904
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457109
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26182
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments