Project summary
Recent publications indicating that the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming is most likely to be surpassed by 2030 have further increased the urgency to act more decisively against climate crisis. As European cities and metropolitan areas struggle with aligning their climate adaptation plans with their social objectives, we need to take equity into consideration so that our policy interventions do not further increase inequalities. We already see a disproportionate distribution of green throughout our urban areas. Districts with low-income households tend to be less green, often correlating with a low-health index. With inequalities on the rise, we need to focus more on 'just greening', i.e. prioritizing reducing negative climate impacts on most vulnerable communities while actively engaging them in policy development & implementation.
JUSTGREEN aims at improving the effectiveness of greening and climate adaptation policies by increasing the capacity of cities and metropolitan areas to take equity more into account and to involve communities most vulnerable to impacts of climate crisis in the development and implementation of these policies. JUSTGREEN is structured around a more just distribution, procedure and recognition of greening. We aim at better combining and algining socio-economic and spatial data while creating more meaningfull engagement of our citizens, specifically those most vulnerable to climate crisis, and create a better understanding and consideration of diverse perspectives on greening
A dedicated consortium of Rotterdam (LP), Burgas, Ghent, Katowice, Murcia, Tallinn and Regional Development Fund of Attica are committed to the success of the project. Erasmus University is Advisory Partner facilitating optimal exchange of experience through among others the JUSTGREEN-scorecards, a transferability matrix with best practices and the new Gluon-procedure.
What will this project change
By tailoring greening policies to protect and involve the people most impacted by climate crises, JUSTGREEN aims to make them active participants in the fight against climate change. This approach not only addresses climate risks but also enhances the overall health and well-being of these communities.