Climate and Commons
This research was completed under the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)'s Master of Environmental Science Program, with the supervision of Dr. Laura Tozer.
A Major Research Paper by Reem Thamer Habib | UTSC IMPACT Lab
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Exploring Urban Climate Justice and Climate Action with Community Land Trusts in Ontario, Canada
Climate and Commons: Exploring Urban Climate Justice and Climate Action with Community Land Trusts in Ontario, Canada
This research was completed under the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)'s Master of Environmental Science Program, with the supervision of Dr. Laura Tozer.
A Major Research Paper by Reem Thamer Habib | UTSC IMPACT Lab
Please note that animated features require this page to be viewed on a larger screen.
Why do we need justice in urban climate action?
Research shows that by 2050, as much as two-thirds of the world is predicted to urbanize. This means more towns, cities, and physical and social infrastructure that ultimately make up the rhythm of our daily lives. So, when discussing urban-level climate action, it is not enough to think about reducing carbon emissions and adapting to future climates. It is also, in its full complexity, trying to create more sustainable, equitable, and thriving low-carbon futures.
Currently, dominant urban climate interventions such as urban greening or climate resilient infrastructure, are often interpreted as 'win-win' solutions that will inherently create a more prosperous future for everyone. However, research shows that such interventions alone do not necessarily result in better social outcomes. In many cases, they can reinforce- and even exacerbate- social vulnerabilities. For example, marginalized and deprivilaged groups can become priced out or displaced as a consequence of 'sustainable' residential developments (also known as green or climate gentrification). On top of their vulnerability to climate change impacts, marginalized groups continue to grapple the risk of not benefiting, and even being harmed, when they are not actively considered in how urban spaces address climate change. To mitigate this, it is important to understand the historic and present social systems that make up urban fabrics, and the inequalities that might be embedded when planning and implementing urban climate action initiatives. In particular, climate justice scholars argue that addressing climate change will also require addressing the structural systems that undermine both carbon emissions and the inequalities reproduced in it. In other words,
Currently, dominant urban climate interventions such as urban greening or climate resilient infrastructure, are often interpreted as 'win-win' solutions that will inherently create a more prosperous future for everyone. However, research shows that such interventions alone do not necessarily result in better social outcomes. In many cases, they can reinforce- and even exacerbate- social vulnerabilities. For example, marginalized and deprivilaged groups can become priced out or displaced as a consequence of 'sustainable' residential developments (also known as green or climate gentrification). On top of their vulnerability to climate change impacts, marginalized groups continue to grapple the risk of not benefiting, and even being harmed, when they are not actively considered in how urban spaces address climate change. To mitigate this, it is important to understand the historic and present social systems that make up urban fabrics, and the inequalities that might be embedded when planning and implementing urban climate action initiatives. In particular, climate justice scholars argue that addressing climate change will also require addressing the structural systems that undermine both carbon emissions and the inequalities reproduced in it. In other words,
"Climate change cannot be fixed by the same system that created it."
Huxley, R., Walsh, B., Oke, C., Bellinson, R., Bulkeley, H., Ceneviva, L. L. V., Correa, L. B., Cox, S., Giles-Corti, B., Galik, G., Gouldson, A., Karuri-Sebina, G., Mazzucato, M., Miller, D., Revi, A., Rode, P., Rosenzweig, C., Singh, C., Sitcov, I., … Zarrilli, D. (2022). A Research Agenda for Transformative Urban Climate Action. Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, 1(1), 13–31. https://doi.org/10.3138/jccpe-2022.1.1.0003
Haase, D., Kabisch, S., Haase, A., Andersson, E., Banzhaf, E., Baró, F., Brenck, M., Fischer, L. K., Frantzeskaki, N., Kabisch, N., Krellenberg, K., Kremer, P., Kronenberg, J., Larondelle, N., Mathey, J., Pauleit, S., Ring, I., Rink, D., Schwarz, N., & Wolff, M. (2017). Greening cities – To be socially inclusive? About the alleged paradox of society and ecology in cities. Habitat International, 64, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.005
Anguelovski, I., Connolly, J. J. T., Pearsall, H., Shokry, G., Checker, M., Maantay, J., Gould, K., Lewis, T., Maroko, A., & Roberts, J. T. (2019). Why green “climate gentrification” threatens poor and vulnerable populations. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 116(52), 26139–26143.
Coolsaet, B., Agyeman, J., Kashwan, P., Rivera, D. Z., Ryder, S., Schlosberg, D., & Sultana, F. (2025). Acknowledging the historic presence of justice in climate research. Nature Climate Change, 15(2), 121–121. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02218-5
Quinton, J., Nesbitt, L., Sax, D., & Harris, L. (2024). Greening the gentrification process: Insights and engagements from practitioners. Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space, 7(4), 1893–1917. https://doi.org/10.1177/25148486241236281
Bulkeley, H. (2021). Climate changed urban futures: Environmental politics in the anthropocene city. Environmental Politics, 30(1–2), 266–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2021.1880713
Westman, L., & Castán Broto, V. (2021). Transcending existing paradigms: The quest for justice in urban climate change planning. Local Environment, 26(5), 536–541. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2021.1916903
Westman, L., & Castán Broto, V. (2021). Transcending existing paradigms: The quest for justice in urban climate change planning. Local Environment, 26(5), 536–541. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2021.1916903
Anguelovski, I., Connolly, J. J. T., Cole, H., Garcia-Lamarca, M., Triguero-Mas, M., Baró, F., Martin, N., Conesa, D., Shokry, G., del Pulgar, C. P., Ramos, L. A., Matheney, A., Gallez, E., Oscilowicz, E., Máñez, J. L., Sarzo, B., Beltrán, M. A., & Minaya, J. M. (2022). Green gentrification in European and North American cities. Nature Communications, 13(1), 3816. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31572-1
Anguelovski, I., Connolly, J. J. T., Pearsall, H., Shokry, G., Checker, M., Maantay, J., Gould, K., Lewis, T., Maroko, A., & Roberts, J. T. (2019). Why green “climate gentrification” threatens poor and vulnerable populations. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 116(52), 26139–26143.
Cucca, R., Friesenecker, M., & Thaler, T. (2022). (PDF) Green Gentrification, Social Justice, and Climate Change in the Literature: Conceptual Origins and Future Directions. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368788710_Green_Gentrification_Social_Justice_and_Climate_Change_in_the_Literature_Conceptual_Origins_and_Future_Directions
Haase, D., Kabisch, S., Haase, A., Andersson, E., Banzhaf, E., Baró, F., Brenck, M., Fischer, L. K., Frantzeskaki, N., Kabisch, N., Krellenberg, K., Kremer, P., Kronenberg, J., Larondelle, N., Mathey, J., Pauleit, S., Ring, I., Rink, D., Schwarz, N., & Wolff, M. (2017). Greening cities – To be socially inclusive? About the alleged paradox of society and ecology in cities. Habitat International, 64, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.005
Anguelovski, I., Connolly, J. J. T., Pearsall, H., Shokry, G., Checker, M., Maantay, J., Gould, K., Lewis, T., Maroko, A., & Roberts, J. T. (2019). Why green “climate gentrification” threatens poor and vulnerable populations. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 116(52), 26139–26143.
Cucca, R., Friesenecker, M., & Thaler, T. (2022). (PDF) Green Gentrification, Social Justice, and Climate Change in the Literature: Conceptual Origins and Future Directions. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368788710_Green_Gentrification_Social_Justice_and_Climate_Change_in_the_Literature_Conceptual_Origins_and_Future_Directions
Haase, D., Kabisch, S., Haase, A., Andersson, E., Banzhaf, E., Baró, F., Brenck, M., Fischer, L. K., Frantzeskaki, N., Kabisch, N., Krellenberg, K., Kremer, P., Kronenberg, J., Larondelle, N., Mathey, J., Pauleit, S., Ring, I., Rink, D., Schwarz, N., & Wolff, M. (2017). Greening cities – To be socially inclusive? About the alleged paradox of society and ecology in cities. Habitat International, 64, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.005
In order to create thriving pathways to net-zero and post-carbon futures that are especially urgent for vulnerable populations, scholars call for Just Urban Transitions (JUTs) -which means integrating climate action with social justice concerns at the urban scale.
It is important to note that the integration of justice in environmental issues is not new. There is a rich history of environmental justice scholarship and an even longer history of advocacy by those affected that continue to inform and inspire the growth of this discipline. Respecting and incorporating marginalized perspectives, acknowledging past and present experiences and contributions, and learning to engage in diverse ways of knowing are crucial building blocks to building shared visions of what tomorrow could be.
In our paper, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to explore such perspectives by learning more about the potential role of community land trusts (CLTs) in urban climate action and JUTs.
It is important to note that the integration of justice in environmental issues is not new. There is a rich history of environmental justice scholarship and an even longer history of advocacy by those affected that continue to inform and inspire the growth of this discipline. Respecting and incorporating marginalized perspectives, acknowledging past and present experiences and contributions, and learning to engage in diverse ways of knowing are crucial building blocks to building shared visions of what tomorrow could be.
In our paper, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to explore such perspectives by learning more about the potential role of community land trusts (CLTs) in urban climate action and JUTs.
Hughes, S., & Hoffmann, M. (2020). Just urban transitions: Toward a research agenda. WIREs Climate Change, 11(3), e640. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.640
Why do we need justice in urban climate action?
Research shows that by 2050, as much as two-thirds of the world is predicted to urbanize.
This means more towns, cities, and physical and social infrastructure that ultimately make up the rhythm of our daily lives. So, when discussing urban-level climate action, it is not enough to think about reducing carbon emissions and adapting to future climates. It is also, in its full complexity, trying to create more sustainable, equitable, and thriving low-carbon futures.
Currently, dominant urban climate interventions such as urban greening or climate resilient infrastructure, are often interpreted as 'win-win' solutions that will inherently create a more prosperous future for everyone. However, research shows that such interventions alone do not necessarily result in better social outcomes. In many cases, they can reinforce- and even exacerbate- social vulnerabilities. For example, marginalized and deprivilaged groups can become priced out or displaced as a consequence of 'sustainable' residential developments (also known as green or climate gentrification). On top of their vulnerability to climate change impacts, marginalized groups continue to grapple the risk of not benefiting, and even being harmed, when they are not actively considered in how urban spaces address climate change. To mitigate this, it is important to understand the historic and present social systems that make up urban fabrics,and the inequalities that might be embedded when planning and implementing urban climate action initiatives. In particular, climate justice scholars argue that addressing climate change will also require addressing the structural systems that undermine both carbon emissions and the inequalities reproduced in it. In other words,
This means more towns, cities, and physical and social infrastructure that ultimately make up the rhythm of our daily lives. So, when discussing urban-level climate action, it is not enough to think about reducing carbon emissions and adapting to future climates. It is also, in its full complexity, trying to create more sustainable, equitable, and thriving low-carbon futures.
Currently, dominant urban climate interventions such as urban greening or climate resilient infrastructure, are often interpreted as 'win-win' solutions that will inherently create a more prosperous future for everyone. However, research shows that such interventions alone do not necessarily result in better social outcomes. In many cases, they can reinforce- and even exacerbate- social vulnerabilities. For example, marginalized and deprivilaged groups can become priced out or displaced as a consequence of 'sustainable' residential developments (also known as green or climate gentrification). On top of their vulnerability to climate change impacts, marginalized groups continue to grapple the risk of not benefiting, and even being harmed, when they are not actively considered in how urban spaces address climate change. To mitigate this, it is important to understand the historic and present social systems that make up urban fabrics,and the inequalities that might be embedded when planning and implementing urban climate action initiatives. In particular, climate justice scholars argue that addressing climate change will also require addressing the structural systems that undermine both carbon emissions and the inequalities reproduced in it. In other words,
"Climate change cannot be fixed by the same system that created it."
Huxley, R., Walsh, B., Oke, C., Bellinson, R., Bulkeley, H., Ceneviva, L. L. V., Correa, L. B., Cox, S., Giles-Corti, B., Galik, G., Gouldson, A., Karuri-Sebina, G., Mazzucato, M., Miller, D., Revi, A., Rode, P., Rosenzweig, C., Singh, C., Sitcov, I., … Zarrilli, D. (2022). A Research Agenda for Transformative Urban Climate Action. Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, 1(1), 13–31. https://doi.org/10.3138/jccpe-2022.1.1.0003
Haase, D., Kabisch, S., Haase, A., Andersson, E., Banzhaf, E., Baró, F., Brenck, M., Fischer, L. K., Frantzeskaki, N., Kabisch, N., Krellenberg, K., Kremer, P., Kronenberg, J., Larondelle, N., Mathey, J., Pauleit, S., Ring, I., Rink, D., Schwarz, N., & Wolff, M. (2017). Greening cities – To be socially inclusive? About the alleged paradox of society and ecology in cities. Habitat International, 64, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.005
Cucca, R., Friesenecker, M., & Thaler, T. (2022). (PDF) Green Gentrification, Social Justice, and Climate Change in the Literature: Conceptual Origins and Future Directions. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368788710_Green_Gentrification_Social_Justice_and_Climate_Change_in_the_Literature_Conceptual_Origins_and_Future_Directions
Haase, D., Kabisch, S., Haase, A., Andersson, E., Banzhaf, E., Baró, F., Brenck, M., Fischer, L. K., Frantzeskaki, N., Kabisch, N., Krellenberg, K., Kremer, P., Kronenberg, J., Larondelle, N., Mathey, J., Pauleit, S., Ring, I., Rink, D., Schwarz, N., & Wolff, M. (2017). Greening cities – To be socially inclusive? About the alleged paradox of society and ecology in cities. Habitat International, 64, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.005
Huxley, R., Walsh, B., Oke, C., Bellinson, R., Bulkeley, H., Ceneviva, L. L. V., Correa, L. B., Cox, S., Giles-Corti, B., Galik, G., Gouldson, A., Karuri-Sebina, G., Mazzucato, M., Miller, D., Revi, A., Rode, P., Rosenzweig, C., Singh, C., Sitcov, I., … Zarrilli, D. (2022). A Research Agenda for Transformative Urban Climate Action. Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, 1(1), 13–31. https://doi.org/10.3138/jccpe-2022.1.1.0003
Haase, D., Kabisch, S., Haase, A., Andersson, E., Banzhaf, E., Baró, F., Brenck, M., Fischer, L. K., Frantzeskaki, N., Kabisch, N., Krellenberg, K., Kremer, P., Kronenberg, J., Larondelle, N., Mathey, J., Pauleit, S., Ring, I., Rink, D., Schwarz, N., & Wolff, M. (2017). Greening cities – To be socially inclusive? About the alleged paradox of society and ecology in cities. Habitat International, 64, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.005
Huxley, R., Walsh, B., Oke, C., Bellinson, R., Bulkeley, H., Ceneviva, L. L. V., Correa, L. B., Cox, S., Giles-Corti, B., Galik, G., Gouldson, A., Karuri-Sebina, G., Mazzucato, M., Miller, D., Revi, A., Rode, P., Rosenzweig, C., Singh, C., Sitcov, I., … Zarrilli, D. (2022). A Research Agenda for Transformative Urban Climate Action. Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, 1(1), 13–31. https://doi.org/10.3138/jccpe-2022.1.1.0003
Anguelovski, I., Connolly, J. J. T., Cole, H., Garcia-Lamarca, M., Triguero-Mas, M., Baró, F., Martin, N., Conesa, D., Shokry, G., del Pulgar, C. P., Ramos, L. A., Matheney, A., Gallez, E., Oscilowicz, E., Máñez, J. L., Sarzo, B., Beltrán, M. A., & Minaya, J. M. (2022). Green gentrification in European and North American cities. Nature Communications, 13(1), 3816. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31572-1
Anguelovski, I., Connolly, J. J. T., Pearsall, H., Shokry, G., Checker, M., Maantay, J., Gould, K., Lewis, T., Maroko, A., & Roberts, J. T. (2019). Why green “climate gentrification” threatens poor and vulnerable populations. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 116(52), 26139–26143.
Cucca, R., Friesenecker, M., & Thaler, T. (2022). (PDF) Green Gentrification, Social Justice, and Climate Change in the Literature: Conceptual Origins and Future Directions. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368788710_Green_Gentrification_Social_Justice_and_Climate_Change_in_the_Literature_Conceptual_Origins_and_Future_Directions
Haase, D., Kabisch, S., Haase, A., Andersson, E., Banzhaf, E., Baró, F., Brenck, M., Fischer, L. K., Frantzeskaki, N., Kabisch, N., Krellenberg, K., Kremer, P., Kronenberg, J., Larondelle, N., Mathey, J., Pauleit, S., Ring, I., Rink, D., Schwarz, N., & Wolff, M. (2017). Greening cities – To be socially inclusive? About the alleged paradox of society and ecology in cities. Habitat International, 64, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.005
Anguelovski, I., Connolly, J. J. T., Pearsall, H., Shokry, G., Checker, M., Maantay, J., Gould, K., Lewis, T., Maroko, A., & Roberts, J. T. (2019). Why green “climate gentrification” threatens poor and vulnerable populations. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 116(52), 26139–26143.
Cucca, R., Friesenecker, M., & Thaler, T. (2022). (PDF) Green Gentrification, Social Justice, and Climate Change in the Literature: Conceptual Origins and Future Directions. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368788710_Green_Gentrification_Social_Justice_and_Climate_Change_in_the_Literature_Conceptual_Origins_and_Future_Directions
Haase, D., Kabisch, S., Haase, A., Andersson, E., Banzhaf, E., Baró, F., Brenck, M., Fischer, L. K., Frantzeskaki, N., Kabisch, N., Krellenberg, K., Kremer, P., Kronenberg, J., Larondelle, N., Mathey, J., Pauleit, S., Ring, I., Rink, D., Schwarz, N., & Wolff, M. (2017). Greening cities – To be socially inclusive? About the alleged paradox of society and ecology in cities. Habitat International, 64, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.005
In order to create thriving pathways to net-zero and post-carbon futures that are especially urgent for vulnerable populations, scholars call for Just Urban Transitions (JUTs) -which means integrating climate action with social justice concerns at the urban scale.
It is important to note that the integration of justice in environmental issues is not new.
There is a rich history of environmental justice scholarship and an even longer history of advocacy by those affected that continue to inform and inspire the growth of this discipline. Respecting and incorporating marginalized perspectives, acknowledging past and present experiences and contributions, and learning to engage in diverse ways of knowing are crucial building blocks to building shared visions of what tomorrow could be.
In our paper, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to explore such perspectives by learning more about the potential role of community land trusts (CLTs) in urban climate action and JUTs.
It is important to note that the integration of justice in environmental issues is not new.
There is a rich history of environmental justice scholarship and an even longer history of advocacy by those affected that continue to inform and inspire the growth of this discipline. Respecting and incorporating marginalized perspectives, acknowledging past and present experiences and contributions, and learning to engage in diverse ways of knowing are crucial building blocks to building shared visions of what tomorrow could be.
In our paper, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to explore such perspectives by learning more about the potential role of community land trusts (CLTs) in urban climate action and JUTs.
Community land trusts (CLTs) are non-profit organizations which collectively hold and govern land in place of its community. Since the inception of the classic CLT in the United States of America (USA) in the 1970s, different variations have since emerged all around the world including the United Kingdom (UK), South America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and Canada, with now over 600 CLTs globally.
The basic and fundamental pillars that make up a CLT are:
1) Community representatives which are elected to form the organization.
2) Parcels of land which are held in common ownership, and
3) Trust that they operate for the benefit of the wider community.
Over the years, community land trusts have established a strong reputation for securing long-term affordable housing for low-income and marginalized communities, combating gentrification processes, and advocating for solidarity and social justice. Further, they challenge capitalist and colonial practices on land, and advocate for community ownership. Their focus on centering marginalized voices in face of global challenges such as rising housing costs and food security are good examples of practices that integrate climate action with justice. Previous scholars have made remarkable contributions to advancing literature on community land trusts. In addition to many other studies established by (or with) CLT organizations that add to the rich body of knowledge around topics of justice, community, and climate.
However, the dynamics of their potential role in realizing just urban transitions (JUTs) remains largely unexplored in current scientific literature. Hence, our study's main objectives were to describe how community land trusts (CLTs) address climate change, and analyze the barriers and opportunities they might face in driving JUTs.
The basic and fundamental pillars that make up a CLT are:
1) Community representatives which are elected to form the organization.
2) Parcels of land which are held in common ownership, and
3) Trust that they operate for the benefit of the wider community.
Over the years, community land trusts have established a strong reputation for securing long-term affordable housing for low-income and marginalized communities, combating gentrification processes, and advocating for solidarity and social justice. Further, they challenge capitalist and colonial practices on land, and advocate for community ownership. Their focus on centering marginalized voices in face of global challenges such as rising housing costs and food security are good examples of practices that integrate climate action with justice. Previous scholars have made remarkable contributions to advancing literature on community land trusts. In addition to many other studies established by (or with) CLT organizations that add to the rich body of knowledge around topics of justice, community, and climate.
However, the dynamics of their potential role in realizing just urban transitions (JUTs) remains largely unexplored in current scientific literature. Hence, our study's main objectives were to describe how community land trusts (CLTs) address climate change, and analyze the barriers and opportunities they might face in driving JUTs.
What are community land trusts (CLTs)?
Davis, J. E., Algoed, L., & Hernández-Torrales, M. E. (Eds.). (2020). On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust. Terra Nostra Press.
Davis, J. E. (2020). Common Ground: Community-Owned Land as a Platform for Equitable and Sustainable Development. In On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust (p. 469). Terra Nostra Press. https://burlingtonassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Common-Ground-Community-Owned-Land.pdf
Bunce, S., & Barndt, J. (2020). Origins and Evolution of Urban Community Land Trusts in Canada. In J. E. Davis, L. Algoed, & M. E. Hernández-Torrales (Eds.), On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust. Terra Nostra Press.
Barger, S., Vaughan, M., Aiu, C., Akutagawa, M., Beall, E., Luck, J., Cordy, D., & Maldonado, J. (2024). Kīpuka Kuleana: Restoring relationships to place and strengthening climate adaptation through a community-based land trust. Frontiers in Sustainability, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1461787
Hosseini, Z. (2014). Community Land Trusts for Affordable Housing in Ontario.
Manning, B. R. M., Gould, C., LaRose, J., Nelson, M. K., Barker, J., Houck, D. L., & Steinberg, M. G. (2023). A place to belong: Creating an urban, Indian, women-led land trust in the San Francisco Bay Area. ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY, 28(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-13707-280108
Read, R., Hirst, A., Pooley, A., & Odeleye, N.-D. (2024). Negotiating Shared Lives: Territorialisation and Conviviality in an Urban Community Land Trust. Social Sciences, 13(11), 574. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13110574
Rose, J., Arikat, L., Gusoff, G., & Pollack, C. E. (2023). Mechanisms to Improve Health Through Community Land Trusts. Journal of Urban Health, 100(2), 389–397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-022-00706-7
Veronesi, M., Algoed, L., & Hernández Torrales, M. E. (2022). Community-led development and collective land tenure for environmental justice: The case of the Caño Martín Peña community land trust, Puerto Rico. International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, 14(1), 388–397. https://doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2022.2096616
Barger, S., Vaughan, M., Aiu, C., Akutagawa, M., Beall, E., Luck, J., Cordy, D., & Maldonado, J. (2024). Kīpuka Kuleana: Restoring relationships to place and strengthening climate adaptation through a community-based land trust. Frontiers in Sustainability, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1461787
Hosseini, Z. (2014). Community Land Trusts for Affordable Housing in Ontario.
Manning, B. R. M., Gould, C., LaRose, J., Nelson, M. K., Barker, J., Houck, D. L., & Steinberg, M. G. (2023). A place to belong: Creating an urban, Indian, women-led land trust in the San Francisco Bay Area. ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY, 28(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-13707-280108
Read, R., Hirst, A., Pooley, A., & Odeleye, N.-D. (2024). Negotiating Shared Lives: Territorialisation and Conviviality in an Urban Community Land Trust. Social Sciences, 13(11), 574. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13110574
Rose, J., Arikat, L., Gusoff, G., & Pollack, C. E. (2023). Mechanisms to Improve Health Through Community Land Trusts. Journal of Urban Health, 100(2), 389–397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-022-00706-7
Veronesi, M., Algoed, L., & Hernández Torrales, M. E. (2022). Community-led development and collective land tenure for environmental justice: The case of the Caño Martín Peña community land trust, Puerto Rico. International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, 14(1), 388–397. https://doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2022.2096616
Maudsley, A., & Wallsten, B. (Eds.). (2024). Towards Regenerative Neighbourhoods: European Cases, Insightts, and Initiatives. Driving Urban Transitions Partnership. https://www.clteurope.org/newsandinsights/cltcircularity
Community land trusts (CLTs) are non-profit organizations which collectively hold and govern land in place of its community. Since the inception of the classic CLT in the United States of America (USA) in the 1970s, different variations have since emerged all around the world including the United Kingdom (UK), South America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and Canada, with now over 600 CLTs globally.
The basic and fundamental pillars that make up a CLT are:
1) Community representatives which are elected to form the organization.
2) Parcels of land which are held in common ownership, and
3) Trust that they operate for the benefit of the wider community.
Over the years, community land trusts have established a strong reputation for securing long-term affordable housing for low-income and marginalized communities, combating gentrification processes, and advocating for solidarity and social justice. Further, they challenge capitalist and colonial practices on land, and advocate for community ownership. Their focus on centering marginalized voices in face of global challenges such as rising housing costs and food security are good examples of practices that integrate climate action with justice. Previous scholars have made remarkable contributions to advancing literature on community land trusts. In addition to many other studies established by (or with) CLT organizations that add to the rich body of knowledge around topics of justice, community, and climate.
However, the dynamics of their potential role in realizing just urban transitions (JUTs) remains largely unexplored in current scientific literature. Hence, our study's main objectives were to describe how community land trusts (CLTs) address climate change, and analyze the barriers and opportunities they might face in driving JUTs.
The basic and fundamental pillars that make up a CLT are:
1) Community representatives which are elected to form the organization.
2) Parcels of land which are held in common ownership, and
3) Trust that they operate for the benefit of the wider community.
Over the years, community land trusts have established a strong reputation for securing long-term affordable housing for low-income and marginalized communities, combating gentrification processes, and advocating for solidarity and social justice. Further, they challenge capitalist and colonial practices on land, and advocate for community ownership. Their focus on centering marginalized voices in face of global challenges such as rising housing costs and food security are good examples of practices that integrate climate action with justice. Previous scholars have made remarkable contributions to advancing literature on community land trusts. In addition to many other studies established by (or with) CLT organizations that add to the rich body of knowledge around topics of justice, community, and climate.
However, the dynamics of their potential role in realizing just urban transitions (JUTs) remains largely unexplored in current scientific literature. Hence, our study's main objectives were to describe how community land trusts (CLTs) address climate change, and analyze the barriers and opportunities they might face in driving JUTs.
What are community land trusts (CLTs)?
Davis, J. E., Algoed, L., & Hernández-Torrales, M. E. (Eds.). (2020). On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust. Terra Nostra Press.
Davis, J. E. (2020). Common Ground: Community-Owned Land as a Platform for Equitable and Sustainable Development. In On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust (p. 469). Terra Nostra Press. https://burlingtonassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Common-Ground-Community-Owned-Land.pdf
Bunce, S., & Barndt, J. (2020). Origins and Evolution of Urban Community Land Trusts in Canada. In J. E. Davis, L. Algoed, & M. E. Hernández-Torrales (Eds.), On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust. Terra Nostra Press.
Barger, S., Vaughan, M., Aiu, C., Akutagawa, M., Beall, E., Luck, J., Cordy, D., & Maldonado, J. (2024). Kīpuka Kuleana: Restoring relationships to place and strengthening climate adaptation through a community-based land trust. Frontiers in Sustainability, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1461787
Hosseini, Z. (2014). Community Land Trusts for Affordable Housing in Ontario.
Manning, B. R. M., Gould, C., LaRose, J., Nelson, M. K., Barker, J., Houck, D. L., & Steinberg, M. G. (2023). A place to belong: Creating an urban, Indian, women-led land trust in the San Francisco Bay Area. ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY, 28(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-13707-280108
Read, R., Hirst, A., Pooley, A., & Odeleye, N.-D. (2024). Negotiating Shared Lives: Territorialisation and Conviviality in an Urban Community Land Trust. Social Sciences, 13(11), 574. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13110574
Rose, J., Arikat, L., Gusoff, G., & Pollack, C. E. (2023). Mechanisms to Improve Health Through Community Land Trusts. Journal of Urban Health, 100(2), 389–397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-022-00706-7
Veronesi, M., Algoed, L., & Hernández Torrales, M. E. (2022). Community-led development and collective land tenure for environmental justice: The case of the Caño Martín Peña community land trust, Puerto Rico. International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, 14(1), 388–397. https://doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2022.2096616
Barger, S., Vaughan, M., Aiu, C., Akutagawa, M., Beall, E., Luck, J., Cordy, D., & Maldonado, J. (2024). Kīpuka Kuleana: Restoring relationships to place and strengthening climate adaptation through a community-based land trust. Frontiers in Sustainability, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1461787
Hosseini, Z. (2014). Community Land Trusts for Affordable Housing in Ontario.
Manning, B. R. M., Gould, C., LaRose, J., Nelson, M. K., Barker, J., Houck, D. L., & Steinberg, M. G. (2023). A place to belong: Creating an urban, Indian, women-led land trust in the San Francisco Bay Area. ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY, 28(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-13707-280108
Read, R., Hirst, A., Pooley, A., & Odeleye, N.-D. (2024). Negotiating Shared Lives: Territorialisation and Conviviality in an Urban Community Land Trust. Social Sciences, 13(11), 574. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13110574
Rose, J., Arikat, L., Gusoff, G., & Pollack, C. E. (2023). Mechanisms to Improve Health Through Community Land Trusts. Journal of Urban Health, 100(2), 389–397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-022-00706-7
Veronesi, M., Algoed, L., & Hernández Torrales, M. E. (2022). Community-led development and collective land tenure for environmental justice: The case of the Caño Martín Peña community land trust, Puerto Rico. International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, 14(1), 388–397. https://doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2022.2096616
Maudsley, A., & Wallsten, B. (Eds.). (2024). Towards Regenerative Neighbourhoods: European Cases, Insightts, and Initiatives. Driving Urban Transitions Partnership. https://www.clteurope.org/newsandinsights/cltcircularity
Community land trusts in Ontario
In Canada, the history of land trusts spans for almost a hundred years. The early affiliation of land trust organizations in Canada were concerned largely with the preservation of land for agricultural, rural, or ecological purposes (i.e., conservation land trusts). However, with increasing urbanization and rising pressures of housing affordability, the community land trust movement in Canada began to grow.
To explore our objectives, we used a mixed methods approach by combining a multiple case study analysis (n=3) with semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed using Braun & Clarke's (2006) reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) approach.
To explore our objectives, we used a mixed methods approach by combining a multiple case study analysis (n=3) with semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed using Braun & Clarke's (2006) reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) approach.
Bunce, S., & Aslam, F. C. (2016). Land Trusts and the Protection and Stewardship of Land in Canada: Exploring Non-Governmental Land Trust Practices and the Role of Urban Community Land Trusts. Canadian Journal of Urban Research, 25(2), 23–34.
Bunce, S., & Barndt, J. (2020). Origins and Evolution of Urban Community Land Trusts in Canada. In J. E. Davis, L. Algoed, & M. E. Hernández-Torrales (Eds.), On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust. Terra Nostra Press.
Bunce, S., & Barndt, J. (2020). Origins and Evolution of Urban Community Land Trusts in Canada. In J. E. Davis, L. Algoed, & M. E. Hernández-Torrales (Eds.), On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust. Terra Nostra Press.
Braun, V., & and Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Braun, V., & and Clarke, V. (2023). Toward good practice in thematic analysis: Avoiding common problems and be(com)ing a knowing researcher. International Journal of Transgender Health, 24(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2022.2129597
Byrne, D. (2022). A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Quality & Quantity, 56(2), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-021-01182-y
Braun, V., & and Clarke, V. (2023). Toward good practice in thematic analysis: Avoiding common problems and be(com)ing a knowing researcher. International Journal of Transgender Health, 24(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2022.2129597
Byrne, D. (2022). A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Quality & Quantity, 56(2), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-021-01182-y
Community land trusts in Ontario
In Canada, the history of land trusts spans for almost a hundred years. The early affiliation of land trust organizations in Canada were concerned largely with the preservation of land for agricultural, rural, or ecological purposes (i.e., conservation land trusts). However, with increasing urbanization and rising pressures of housing affordability, the community land trust movement in Canada began to grow.
To explore our objectives, we used a mixed methods approach by combining a multiple case study analysis (n=3) with semi-structured interviews with 3 community land trusts in Ontario. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed using Braun & Clarke's (2006) reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) approach.
To explore our objectives, we used a mixed methods approach by combining a multiple case study analysis (n=3) with semi-structured interviews with 3 community land trusts in Ontario. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed using Braun & Clarke's (2006) reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) approach.
Bunce, S., & Aslam, F. C. (2016). Land Trusts and the Protection and Stewardship of Land in Canada: Exploring Non-Governmental Land Trust Practices and the Role of Urban Community Land Trusts. Canadian Journal of Urban Research, 25(2), 23–34.
Bunce, S., & Barndt, J. (2020). Origins and Evolution of Urban Community Land Trusts in Canada. In J. E. Davis, L. Algoed, & M. E. Hernández-Torrales (Eds.), On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust. Terra Nostra Press.
Bunce, S., & Barndt, J. (2020). Origins and Evolution of Urban Community Land Trusts in Canada. In J. E. Davis, L. Algoed, & M. E. Hernández-Torrales (Eds.), On common ground: International perspectives on the community land trust. Terra Nostra Press.
Braun, V., & and Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Braun, V., & and Clarke, V. (2023). Toward good practice in thematic analysis: Avoiding common problems and be(com)ing a knowing researcher. International Journal of Transgender Health, 24(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2022.2129597
Byrne, D. (2022). A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Quality & Quantity, 56(2), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-021-01182-y
Braun, V., & and Clarke, V. (2023). Toward good practice in thematic analysis: Avoiding common problems and be(com)ing a knowing researcher. International Journal of Transgender Health, 24(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2022.2129597
Byrne, D. (2022). A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Quality & Quantity, 56(2), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-021-01182-y
The province of Ontario in central Canada is home to more than 12 million people, and over 20 community land trusts.
For this study, three (3) community land trusts were selected and analyzed as case studies .
For this study, three (3) community land trusts were selected and analyzed as case studies .
The province of Ontario in central Canada is home to more than 12 million people, and over 20 community land trusts.
For this study, three (3) community land trusts were selected and analyzed as case studies .
For this study, three (3) community land trusts were selected and analyzed as case studies .
How are community land trusts in Ontario addressing climate change?
How are community land trusts in Ontario addressing climate change?
03
Neighborhood-level climate action can be ideal for community-based organizations like community land trusts to contribute to the overall climate agenda. As part of their existing efforts to provide safe, affordable, and livable housing, CLTs are regularly upgrading and retrofitting the housing units under their trust. These include conducting infrastructure repairs, replacing building foundations, and upgrading to energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Moreover, they often participate in local community events and hold awareness sessions. Further, the case studies revealed that what made a bigger difference was not simply in what was being done, but how and by who. Our findings show that each of the three CLTs were generally well acquainted with their community members. This positioning enables CLTs to steer from the more dominant technical discourse on climate change and, frame it in a way that feels closer to people. In other words, they are capable of communicating in a way that resonates with what truly matters to the community. They can recognize whose voices are missing, and how they can be incorporated in local climate projects, to make sure that the most vulnerable are not left behind.
Joshi, N., Agrawal, S., Ambury, H., & Parida, D. (2024). Advancing neighbourhood climate action: Opportunities, challenges and way ahead. Npj Climate Action, 3(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44168-023-00084-z
Joshi, N., Agrawal, S., & Lie, S. (2022). What does neighbourhood climate action look like? A scoping literature review. Climate Action, 1(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44168-022-00009-2
Joshi, N., Agrawal, S., & Lie, S. (2022). What does neighbourhood climate action look like? A scoping literature review. Climate Action, 1(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44168-022-00009-2
02
Community land trusts are fostering vision-aligned partnerships and cooperating with and across various sectors and organizations. As a collective action institution, CLTs acknowledge the diversity of expertise needed to create inclusive and thriving neighborhoods and the importance of working together to tackle global challenges. As such, they often partner with non-profit housing providers, local municipalities, federal corporations, and financial institutions. They utilize their platform to mobilize collective action among different interest groups, but ensure that these partnerships are driven by fundamental principles of respect, trust, transparency, accountability, and care. Recognizing that commoning- sharing and managing a common resource- also includes sharing responsibility, and not withholding it, for the benefit of the whole community. Collective action and commoning can be especially powerful in influencing group behaviors, and can lead to physical and regulatory changes, which are crucial for addressing a multi-faceted phenomenon such as climate change.
Aernouts, N., & and Ryckewaert, M. (2018). Beyond housing: On the role of commoning in the establishment of a Community Land Trust project. International Journal of Housing Policy, 18(4), 503–521. https://doi.org/10.1080/19491247.2017.1331592
Barnes, C., & Learhoven, F. V. (2014). Communities and commons: The role of community development support in sustaining the commons. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdj/bsu005
Barnes, C., & Learhoven, F. V. (2014). Communities and commons: The role of community development support in sustaining the commons. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdj/bsu005
Aernouts, N., & and Ryckewaert, M. (2018). Beyond housing: On the role of commoning in the establishment of a Community Land Trust project. International Journal of Housing Policy, 18(4), 503–521. https://doi.org/10.1080/19491247.2017.1331592
Ardoin, N. M., & Bowers, A. W. (2025). Collective action impacts on climate change mitigation. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 63, 101503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101503
Building local resilience by prioritizing community needs
Building local resilience by prioritizing community needs
Building local resilience by prioritizing community needs
01
Community land trusts are community-led organizations that steward and manage land that is held in common ownership. This enables them to directly influence local development and resilience planning strategies. Our research shows that all three CLTs are actively bringing in marginalized voices and incorporating the needs of their community in these strategies. In particular, they are focused on people’s basic individual and communal needs to survive. These include, for example, providing safe, affordable, and dignified housing or shared community gardens (e.g., the Milky Way Garden). In addition, their approach views community resilience as necessary not only for surviving, but thriving. As such, each CLT was also dedicated to community wealth building by offering employment, training, supporting local businesses, and hosting social events. More importantly, they recognize that crucial to their work in creating more resilient communities is in learning how to do so with them; to see community members as active actors and not just recipients in the process. Ultimately, CLTs believe that by supporting and empowering the most vulnerable, the community become more resilient and prosperous as a whole.
Jamal, A., & Scholten, J. (2025). Deployment and development of community wealth building in Canadian mid-sized cities. Community Development Journal, 60(3), 470–488. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdj/bsae017
Lacey-Barnacle, M., Smith, A., & Foxon, T. J. (2023). Community wealth building in an age of just transitions: Exploring civil society approaches to net zero and future research synergies. Energy Policy, 172, 113277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113277
Lacey-Barnacle, M., Smith, A., & Foxon, T. J. (2023). Community wealth building in an age of just transitions: Exploring civil society approaches to net zero and future research synergies. Energy Policy, 172, 113277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113277
Building local resilience by prioritizing community needs
Collective action and commoning towards collective futures
Strengthening neighborhood-scale climate impact
Strengthening neighborhood-scale climate impact
03
Neighborhood-level climate action can be ideal for community-based organizations like community land trusts to contribute to the overall climate agenda. As part of their existing efforts to provide safe, affordable, and livable housing, CLTs are regularly upgrading and retrofitting the housing units under their trust. These include conducting infrastructure repairs, replacing building foundations, and upgrading to energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Moreover, they often participate in local community events and hold awareness sessions. Further, the case studies revealed that what made a bigger difference was not simply in what was being done, but how and by who. Our findings show that each of the three CLTs were generally well acquainted with their community members. This positioning enables CLTs to steer from the more dominant technical discourse on climate change and, frame it in a way that feels closer to people. In other words, they are capable of communicating in a way that resonates with what truly matters to the community. They can recognize whose voices are missing, and how they can be incorporated in local climate projects, to make sure that the most vulnerable are not left behind.
Joshi, N., Agrawal, S., Ambury, H., & Parida, D. (2024). Advancing neighbourhood climate action: Opportunities, challenges and way ahead. Npj Climate Action, 3(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44168-023-00084-z
Joshi, N., Agrawal, S., & Lie, S. (2022). What does neighbourhood climate action look like? A scoping literature review. Climate Action, 1(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44168-022-00009-2
Joshi, N., Agrawal, S., & Lie, S. (2022). What does neighbourhood climate action look like? A scoping literature review. Climate Action, 1(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44168-022-00009-2
02
Community land trusts are fostering vision-aligned partnerships and cooperating with and across various sectors and organizations. As a collective action institution, CLTs acknowledge the diversity of expertise needed to create inclusive and thriving neighborhoods and the importance of working together to tackle global challenges. As such, they often partner with non-profit housing providers, local municipalities, federal corporations, and financial institutions. They utilize their platform to mobilize collective action among different interest groups, but ensure that these partnerships are driven by fundamental principles of respect, trust, transparency, accountability, and care. Recognizing that commoning- sharing and managing a common resource- also includes sharing responsibility, and not withholding it, for the benefit of the whole community. Collective action and commoning can be especially powerful in influencing group behaviors, and can lead to physical and regulatory changes, which are crucial for addressing a multi-faceted phenomenon such as climate change.
Aernouts, N., & and Ryckewaert, M. (2018). Beyond housing: On the role of commoning in the establishment of a Community Land Trust project. International Journal of Housing Policy, 18(4), 503–521. https://doi.org/10.1080/19491247.2017.1331592
Barnes, C., & Learhoven, F. V. (2014). Communities and commons: The role of community development support in sustaining the commons. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdj/bsu005
Barnes, C., & Learhoven, F. V. (2014). Communities and commons: The role of community development support in sustaining the commons. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdj/bsu005
Aernouts, N., & and Ryckewaert, M. (2018). Beyond housing: On the role of commoning in the establishment of a Community Land Trust project. International Journal of Housing Policy, 18(4), 503–521. https://doi.org/10.1080/19491247.2017.1331592
Ardoin, N. M., & Bowers, A. W. (2025). Collective action impacts on climate change mitigation. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 63, 101503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101503
01
Community land trusts are community-led organizations that steward and manage land that is held in common ownership. This enables them to directly influence local development and resilience planning strategies. Our research shows that all three CLTs are actively bringing in marginalized voices and incorporating the needs of their community in these strategies. In particular, they are focused on people’s basic individual and communal needs to survive. These include, for example, providing safe, affordable, and dignified housing or shared community gardens (e.g., the Milky Way Garden). In addition, their approach views community resilience as necessary not only for surviving, but thriving. As such, each CLT was also dedicated to community wealth building by offering employment, training, supporting local businesses, and hosting social events. More importantly, they recognize that crucial to their work in creating more resilient communities is in learning how to do so with them; to see community members as active actors and not just recipients in the process. Ultimately, CLTs believe that by supporting and empowering the most vulnerable, the community become more resilient and prosperous as a whole.
Jamal, A., & Scholten, J. (2025). Deployment and development of community wealth building in Canadian mid-sized cities. Community Development Journal, 60(3), 470–488. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdj/bsae017
Lacey-Barnacle, M., Smith, A., & Foxon, T. J. (2023). Community wealth building in an age of just transitions: Exploring civil society approaches to net zero and future research synergies. Energy Policy, 172, 113277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113277
Lacey-Barnacle, M., Smith, A., & Foxon, T. J. (2023). Community wealth building in an age of just transitions: Exploring civil society approaches to net zero and future research synergies. Energy Policy, 172, 113277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113277
Building local resilience by prioritizing community needs
Collective action and commoning towards collective futures
Participant Quotes
What did some of the participants say?
"Part of what we're doing, even though it is incredibly intangible, is that we reject the narrow framing of ‘we have to do housing fast and we'll deal with climate later’ because it's the same framing that says, ‘we have to do housing fast and we'll deal with the dignity of the person later’. That is the work we're doing- it is constantly standing there going -No, it's all of it. Climate justice and housing justice are the same thing."
“We want to create a space for all those organizations to contribute and to make sure that their understanding of the needs of our community are brought into the very fabric of everything that we do.”
“Disrupting power and systems upsets people with power who benefit from those systems. What we're trying to do is change systems.”
Opportunities and Barriers
The study identified several opportunities (+) and barriers (-) for community land trusts in driving just urban transitions (JUTs). Although there exist nuances in conceptualizing and realizing JUTs, we relate our findings to the three priorities described by Hughes & Hoffman (2020): urban planning and politics, justice frameworks and principles, and transition strategies and politics.
Systemic change can be profound and overwhelming. This notion may heighten a desire in certain groups to resist immense change, and for those whom the current system is benefiting, to preserve the status quo.
Trying to imagine and envision futures that go beyond the current status quo is no linear exercise. Sometimes, we tend to use our existing understanding of the world to make sense of new concepts. This risks repeating patterns of injustice such as exclusion or discrimination, which become masked under the 'new' concept.
One of the first barriers will be the need for political and government support in acknowledging CLTs. Without the necessary legal mobilization, the pursuit of JUTs becomes difficult for CLTs, and their potential cannot fully evolve.
The key features of a CLT are community governance and collective land stewardship. As both a community organization and a landowner, CLTs can act as a platform for marginalized communities to express their concerns firsthand. This opportunity can help ensure that justice remains central, and not supplementary in urban planning and political agendas.
The influence CLTs have on shaping community-led development can be advantageous for JUTs. Through collective imagination in community planning, CLTs can begin to shape more hopeful narratives and expand the realm of possibilities for conceptualizing and realizing JUTs.
The second opportunity taps deeper into the internal and external dynamics of collaboration in CLTs. Internally, they are empowering local communities. Externally, they are collaborating with various institutions. This collective agency can be crucial to driving systemic change.
The key features of a CLT are community governance and collective land stewardship. As both a community organization and a landowner, CLTs can act as a platform for marginalized communities to express their concerns firsthand. This opportunity can help ensure that justice remains central, and not supplementary in urban planning and political agendas.
The second opportunity taps deeper into the internal and external dynamics of collaboration in CLTs. Internally, they are empowering local communities by helping them build capacity and co-producing knowledge with them. Externally, they are fostering value-aligned collaborations with various institutions. This collective agency can be crucial to driving systemic change.
The influence CLTs have on shaping community-led development can be advantageous for advancing JUTs. Through collective imagination in community planning, CLTs can begin to shape more hopeful narratives and expand the realm of possibilities for conceptualizing and realizing JUTs.
Political and government support in acknowledging CLTs must continue to scale. Without the necessary legal mobilization, the pursuit of JUTs becomes difficult for CLTs, and their potential cannot fully evolve.
Pursuing systemic change can get profound and overwhelming. This notion may heighten a desire in certain groups to resist immense change, and for those whom the current system is benefiting, to preserve the status quo.
Trying to imagine and envision futures that go beyond the current status quo is no linear exercise. Sometimes, we tend to use our existing understanding of the world to make sense of new concepts. This risks repeating patterns of injustice such as exclusion or discrimination, which become masked under the 'new' concept.
What are the key takeaways?
The declaration for net-zero has grown popular in recent years. Yet, what these new futures could look like can sometimes be ambiguous and hard to describe. Images of just, thriving, low carbon futures will likely vary across geographies and thus entails that the strategies for pursuing JUTs will not be the same either. Transitions are complex and have many interpretations, which can result in several pathways. Similar arguments can be made about the sort of futures that community land trusts are pursuing, which is often unique to the geographies and communities they serve.
Lessons from community land trusts
Our research findings suggest that CLTs can be promising for observing just urban transitions and transformative urban climate action in practice.
Learning from direct observation
CLTs could be especially beneficial in understanding how JUTs are conceptualized within more integrated systems that tackle multiple challenges like housing, food, green gentrification or all together.
Identifying potential synergies
CLTs, researchers, and practitioners alike are encouraged to explore the ideas that emerged from the findings, and the broader implications they might have on shaping just urban transition studies both globally and in Canada.
Expanding narratives & possibilities
We invite readers to reflect on the nuances in how just urban transitions are conceptualized and the diversity of landscapes where they can be realized in practice, together.
We would like to acknowledge with utmost gratitude and respect that the lands in which our research sought knowledge from take place across multiple Indigenous territories including the Haudenosaunee, the Métis, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Further up north in Muskoka are the traditional territories of the Ojibway, the Chippewa, and Potawatomi peoples. Today, this land is still home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America). We recognize that our research, which looks closely at land, must equally make efforts towards reconciliation. To read more about the current work supporting Indigenous land trusts in Canada, which are a vital part of pathways to reconciliation and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, please click here
