This thesis explores the intersection of green urbanism and social justice, focusing on the often overlooked consequences of sustainable urban development in cities. It critically examines how initiatives intended to address environmental issues, such as the creation of green spaces, eco-friendly technologies, and sustainable practices, can inadvertently perpetuate social and spatial injustices, particularly through processes like green gentrification. These injustices result in the displacement of marginalized communities and reinforce socio-economic inequalities, despite the stated goal of creating more resilient, sustainable urban environments.
The research is divided into two main sections. The first section, “Uncovering the Green City Orthodoxy,” provides a critical analysis of how cities like Bristol, UK, have pursued green development while simultaneously advancing austerity measures. Through qualitative research methods such as interviews and document analysis, the author reveals how the European Green Capital award has led to policies that favor real estate development and capital accumulation at the expense of social equity. Quantitative studies in this section also examine green gentrification in 28 cities across Europe and North America, demonstrating how different types of green spaces contribute to rising property values and the displacement of vulnerable populations.
The second section, “Countering the Green City Orthodoxy,” shifts focus to grassroots resistance against these green interventions. Using Barcelona as a case study, the thesis examines the role of social movements in challenging neoliberal urban planning and promoting alternative visions of urban greening. Through concepts like “radical spatial imaginaries” and counter-mapping, the author illustrates how these movements resist top-down green initiatives and advocate for more inclusive, socially just urban futures. The research also reflects on the role of academics in supporting these movements, emphasizing the importance of engaged, activist-oriented research practices.
Taken together, this thesis adds to the critical exmainiation of contemporary urban green (re)development by deepening our understandings of green gentrification – through novel quantitative methodologies and also the highlighting of the connections between green gentrification and tourism. Importantly the thesis also offers novel studies of environmental justice activism in a Southern European context, highlighting the differences and similiarites between a US-centric literature. Emerging are working class proposals for green justice and community-baesd green planning. Through politically motivated research and participatory methodologies, activists and scholars may come together to not only uncover and highlight radical ways of existing, but also in making them a reality.
The thesis concludes by questioning the current direction of urban environmental justice scholarship and calls for more critical, action-oriented approaches that address both environmental and social inequities. It highlights the need for future research to explore alternative urban imaginaries and promote more just forms of sustainable urban development. The thesis calls for the further inclusion of anti-displacement and eviction measures in urban greening initiatives, deepining of support and engagement with grassroots movements for more humble and informal greening, as well as further support for situated and participatory research projects and outputs.
Research, Activism, and Methodologies for Uncovering and Countering the Green City Orthodoxy
Matheney, A. G. (Author). 9 Oct 2024
Student thesis: Doctoral thesis
Student thesis: Doctoral thesis