Equity
By centering equity in climate action planning—using tools like the 2021 Cincinnati Climate Equity Indicators Report—we can better reduce the burden of climate events and reallocate the benefits of taking action. To place equity firmly at the center, however, we must purposefully engage with and invest in the people and communities most impacted by environmental injustice. In addition, the City recommends an approach called “targeted universalism”: setting universal goals from which all groups benefit yet achieving these goals through targeted approaches. Intentionally prioritizing equity at every stage gives us a better chance of disrupting these cycles of injustice.
2023 Green Cincinnati Plan Equity Definition
Equity is just and fair inclusion in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. In sustainability work, equity must be recognitional, procedural, distributional, restorational, and transformational.
GCP Equity Framework
The Green Cincinnati Plan (GCP) Equity Framework is an evolving guide to support integration of equity in the climate action planning and implementation process. It is an evolving tool because we continue to learn and adapt—the process of integrating equity is iterative, not linear. Cincinnati is on a learning journey toward climate justice. This piece’s aim is to document a vision for equity for the Green Cincinnati Plan and to support all involved in implementing the GCP with a common vision and language as we all work to intentionally navigate this complex territory toward purposeful and accountable action.
Examples of Equity Aligned Strategies in the Green Cincinnati Plan
- Reduce energy costs for tenants and homeowners experiencing energy poverty to improve the affordability of housing.
- Use a variety of systems to create equitable access to nutritious, affordable food in every neighborhood, prioritizing communities that need it most and creating food sovereignty.
- Provide reliable public transportation options and an improved rider experience to connect residents to the places where they need to go.
- Increase air quality studies and education and reduce pollution from air emissions.
- Reduce extreme heat, overland flooding, landslides, and water pollution vulnerabilities by incentivizing, improving, and increasing green infrastructure.