SCARP's James Connolly publishes paper on climate gentrification

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SCARP Associate Professor James Connolly

Connolly's publication in the journal Nature Climate Change, "The implications of climate gentrification for urban climate action", describe how "climate gentrification" could threaten the continued efficacy of climate action in the long term.

"The implications of climate gentrification for urban climate action"

Nature Climate Change
James J. T. Connolly

An introduction to this paper's insights

"Urban climate actions have resulted in some progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting human settlements to a warmer planet. However, the long-term implications of climate gentrification threaten the continued efficacy of these actions."

What is climate gentrification?

Climate gentrification results when exposure to climate risk becomes a factor in people’s perception of which residential neighborhoods are desirable, in turn driving rent-seeking behavior. 

Chart visualising the 3-step climate gentrification process described aboveConnolly says evidence shows the long-term implications of climate gentrification are unfolding in a 3-stage process: 

  1. Different groups of people simultaneously experience different types of climate gentrification
  2. A new geography of risk exposure forms in uban regions
  3. Distinct climate risk communities take shape

As a consequence, competing agendas are developing around those who prioritize established climate mitigation/adaption measures and those who prioritize housing security relative to climate risk. Yet, divided urban climate politics are not fated to happen: there is a way forward through planning that addresses challenges at the nexus of housing and climate issues.


Urban climate planning is at a bit of a crossroads. If it continues on its established path, it is likely to face steep challenges. But, to the extent that we can understand the intersection between climate and housing vulnerability, these challenges can be overcome.

About Nature Climate Change, the journal that published this paper

Nature Climate Change is a monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Nature Portfolio covering all aspects of research on global warming, the current climate change, especially its effects. 

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More about Dr. James Connolly

James’ work focuses on how urban planning and policy serves as an arena for addressing social-ecological conflicts in cities. In his research, he uses mixed methods that combine quantitative spatial analyses with qualitative approaches to understanding how people shape and perceive the city.

Read the full article here

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