Environment

A Global View

Urban Equity at Home

Higher Ground

A recent study in Environmental Research Letters confirms something that seems obvious: that in flood prone regions higher elevation properties are worth more. But, given rapid urbanization globally, the realities of climate change, and the fact that many of the world's great urban areas are coastal or near natural bodies of water-efforts toward increasing equity and urban equality generally will have to consider the role of real estate and property values with an even greater sensitivity to a changing global ecosystem. Read more about the risks of "Climate Gentrification" here.

Local Strides in Energy and Equity

A Washington D.C. community based initiative finds a balance between "energy efficiency goals and social equity goals" as a local non profit partners with local contractors and local government to provide workshops and job opportunities for D.C. residents. As the city moves toward improving the built environment for sustainability, it is encouraging to see D.C. residents develop their own spaces and communities. 

Read more here .

Toward a Green Urban Future

Alan Mallach challenges the current state and discussion of urban green spaces and expands the idea of green spaces in urban land use from an infrastructure perspective in "The Empty House Next Door." Read more about the future of sustainable urban spaces, their planning and use  here.

A Matter of Scale and Situation.

The effects of gentrification in the world's largest cities are rapidly being realized, researched and discussed. But in the U.S. where there are many large urban areas the gentrification  conversation needs to be complicated in order to consider issues of equity between communities, and cities themselves. As some cities reach a critical mass of un-affordability, other cities are still experiencing degradation and desertion. Read more about the complexities of the gentrification debate on an inter-urban scale here.

The Shadow of Success

Richard A. Walker, professor emeritus of geography at the University of California, Berkeley takes a candid look at how the explosion and inflation of the tech industry in the San Francisco Bay Area affects geography and social issues. And, considers the future and precariousness of the promise of tech wealth there and other regions in  Pictures of a Gone City. Read more  here

Help IHC Global spread our message by forwarding our newsletter to organizations and people who want to help create inclusive and sustainable cities. Support IHC Global further by becoming a member of our growing coalition.  Please join us either as an individual or as an organization.  Your financial support and your voice are vitally important . With your U.S. tax deductible membership, you will provide meaningful help in addressing the worldwide challenges of rapid urban growth, urban poverty and inequity. Help IHC Global "change cities for good" and secure a better urban future for us all- we need your help and your voice more than ever.