Pittsburgh, a city known for its post-industrial renaissance and green spaces, is being touted as a “climate haven” due to its favorable topography, planning, and preparedness. However, does this label hold up in light of the region’s increasing vulnerability to climate change?
The Implications of Being a Climate Haven
A climate haven is a place perceived by public officials, researchers, and actuaries to be shielded from the worst effects of climate change. This concept raises questions about Pittsburgh’s ability to withstand the impacts of climate change, despite its comparative advantages in cooler temperatures and low wildfire and hurricane risk.
- Pittsburgh’s first climate action plan was created in 2008 as part of a federal program.
- The city became one of 100 Resilient Cities in 2014 under then-Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto.
A Skeptical Perspective
Joshua Mullenite, an environmental social scientist and professor at Chatham University’s Falk School of Sustainability and Environment, is skeptical of Pittsburgh’s climate haven status. “It makes it sound like Pittsburgh is not being impacted by climate change, which is not the case,” Mullenite tells City Paper. “Obviously we’re seeing changes in rainfall, changes in snowfall, and increases in extreme weather.”
| Pittsburgh’s Climate Change Vulnerabilities | Increased flooding risk due to heavy rainfall |
| Regional Comparison | Comparatively cooler temperatures, low wildfire and hurricane risk, and high scores for community resilience |
The Rise of Climate Risk Modeling and Technology
Climate risk modeling and technology have become increasingly important in assessing the viability of cities as climate havens. Zillow recently added climate risk data to its real estate listings for the first time, while cities like Duluth, Minnesota, have also adopted this approach. Pittsburgh’s use of this technology is less prominent, but the city’s climate action plan acknowledges the need for adaptation.
Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change
Mullenite emphasizes the importance of addressing Pittsburgh’s industrial legacy and the challenges posed by climate change. “A history of deindustrialization and disinvestment does indeed pose a challenge,” Mullenite says. “To tackle climate change, Chatham’s Sustainability programs emphasize a holistic approach that combines ecological changes with social ones, such as changing how residents think about transit.”
- Pittsburgh’s overreliance on cars and driving is an area of priority to curb climate change, with many downstream effects.
- The city’s climate action plan includes goals for reducing emissions and promoting green infrastructure.
The Role of Affordability in Climate Change Mitigation
Affordability is a critical factor in addressing climate change, particularly in Pittsburgh, where the city’s population remains flat and there is no growing tax base to fund large infrastructure improvements. “Today Pittsburgh faces fewer threats than many other cities thanks to our location, geography, and natural resources,” the city’s resilience assessment states. “However, the Steel City must still overcome certain challenges from its industrial legacy, and will face new pressures with climate change, urbanization, and globalization.”
A Call to Action
Mullenite emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, one that involves green infrastructure, social changes, and a commitment to affordability. “The future is unwritten,” Mullenite says. “It’s for us to do now and come up with solutions. But it’s going to take those things where we really need to invest in green infrastructure.”
The article ends with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change through a holistic approach that prioritizes green infrastructure, social changes, and affordability.
A Climate Haven in Transition
As Pittsburgh navigates its climate change challenges, it is clear that the city’s status as a climate haven is not a fixed label. Instead, it is a concept that is being reevaluated in light of the region’s increasing vulnerability to climate change. While Pittsburgh has made significant strides in addressing climate change, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the city remains a climate haven in the years to come.
