Sustainability Myth

Uncovers the hidden costs and contradictions of sustainable policies in an era driven by real estate development



From state-of-the-art parks to rooftop gardens, efforts to transform New York City's unsightly industrial waterfronts into green, urban oases have received much public attention. In The Sustainability Myth, Melissa Checker uncovers the hidden costs--and contradictions--of the city's ambitious sustainability agenda in light of its equally ambitious redevelopment imperatives.

Focusing on industrial waterfronts and historically underserved places like Harlem and Staten Island's North Shore, Checker takes an in-depth look at the dynamics of environmental gentrification, documenting the symbiosis between eco-friendly initiatives and high-end redevelopment and its impact on out-of-the-way, non-gentrifying neighborhoods. At the same time, she highlights the valiant efforts of local environmental justice activists who work across racial, economic, and political divides to challenge sustainability's false promises and create truly viable communities.

The Sustainability Myth is a cautionary, eye-opening tale, taking a hard--but ultimately hopeful--look at environmental justice activism and the politics of sustainability.

Descopera costurile ascunse si contradictiile politicilor durabile intr-o era condusa de dezvoltarea imobiliara De la parcuri de ultima generatie la gradini pe acoperis, eforturile de transformare a inesteticelor maluri industriale din New York in oaze verzi si urbane au primit multa atentie publica. In The Sustainability Myth, Melissa Checker descopera costurile ascunse - si contradictiile - agendei ambitioase a orasului in ceea ce priveste sustenabilitatea, in lumina imperativelor sale de ambitioase la fel de ambitioase. o privire aprofundata asupra dinamicii gentrificarii mediului, documentand simbioza dintre initiativele ecologice si reamenajarea de ultima generatie si impactul acesteia asupra cartierelor care nu se indreapta, care nu sunt gentrificatoare.