The fight against climate change is not just about reducing carbon emissions, it’s also about equity. It’s known that the more remote from a city the higher the carbon footprint. But did you know that the wealthiest neighbourhoods in our cities are not always the ones with the lowest carbon footprint? 
A recent article by the New York Times shows a striking disparity in the carbon footprint of wealthy and poor neighbourhoods in New York City. The analysis takes into account a consumption-based carbon footprint; how do households consume energy, eat food and buy goods? 
The article shows how policies such as building retrofits, expanding public transportation, and investing in clean energy can help reduce the carbon footprint of neighbourhoods. However, it also notes how gentrification could play a role in this issue, as it pushes low-income residents out of areas that are denser and transit-friendly (low-footprint) neighbourhoods and into areas with higher emissions with less access to public transportation, shops and jobs. 
(learn more about gentrification here).
Let’s work together to make sure that sustainable solutions benefit all of our communities, not just the privileged few! 
How is this approached in your city?