Toward an Equitable Distribution of Urban Green Spaces for People and Landscapes: An Opportunity for Portland’s Green Grid

Abstract

AbstractPortland, Oregon, has a relatively long history of progressive planning, environmental protection, and implementation of green infrastructure (GI) projects, enjoying associated benefits such as temperature reduction, energy savings, and aesthetic improvements. These efforts, while resulting in a robust suite of GI across the city, must be better coordinated to meet the challenges of the future. In this chapter, we provide an overview of GI implementation in Portland, emphasizing key projects and policies, as well as ongoing disparities in access to GI and its benefits. We then discuss the potential for activating a green grid in Portland by linking existing nodes of GI for maximum benefit. In addition to amplifying the positive biophysical effects of GI, we suggest that this approach can help alleviate ongoing socioeconomic disparities that make some communities more vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation.