Why social justice is the key to successful adaptation
Climate change is not just an ecological and technical challenge - it is also a question of social justice. A recent study led by BOKU (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna) shows that climate change is a social issue: Vulnerable groups such as low-income households and older people are particularly affected by the consequences such as urban heat or extreme weather. Even well-intentioned measures such as the greening of city districts can unintentionally lead to the displacement of those who should actually be protected - if social aspects are not considered from the outset.
"The effects of climate change are being felt at various levels - especially in urban heat islands, where environmental conditions are exacerbated by low green space coverage and a high concentration of vulnerable groups," says Michael Friesenecker from the Institute of Landscape Planning at BOKU in Vienna. The current study is the result of the WWTF-funded research project SENSUS and a collaboration between BOKU University, Geosphere Austria, TU Vienna, the Austrian Institute of Technology and Joanneum Research.
"We have also drawn up projections on the development of vulnerable population groups based on socio-economic scenarios," Friesenecker continues. "Our calculations show that In a scenario of geopolitical isolation with a focus on security instead of social policy, there is a threat of growing social inequalities. If climate protection measures and social justice - particularly in the areas of education and income - are not placed at the heart of policy at the same time, there is a risk of massive challenges in dealing with the consequences of climate change."
Expensive greenery: when climate adaptation leads to displacement
Another key finding of the study is that the greening of urban areas as a climate adaptation measure carries the risk of displacing low-income groups. "When green spaces are developed in vulnerable neighborhoods, property prices often rise, which can displace those who are supposed to benefit from these measures," says Friesenecker. This risk is particularly high in unregulated rental markets, and this also applies to the private rental housing market in Vienna.
Climate protection needs housing policy: Why affordable housing is crucial
However, the study also shows that the proportion of social housing projects can significantly reduce the risk of gentrification. "Every additional percentage of social housing reduces the risk of gentrification by four to five percent. Especially against the backdrop of global tendencies to increasingly view housing as a commodity and affordable housing coming under pressure, it was particularly important for us to highlight this correlation using the example of Vienna - where social housing plays a central role."
This finding is based on the analysis of various housing market segments in Vienna, which made it possible to examine the interactions between social inequality, housing market structures and climate change adaptation. "The link between climate change adaptation and social justice is crucial if we want to remain resilient as a society in the long term," concludes Friesenecker. "Climate protection and the reduction of social inequalities must go hand in hand so that we can create a sustainable, fair and liveable city for everyone."
