Catalyzing Equitable Climate Investments: Green Banks in Chicago and Philadelphia

Project Members

Lia

Downing

Engagement Method

Economics, Finance, Policy

Social Engagement

Action Area

Energy and the Environment

Strategic Priority

Achieving Racial Justice

Tackling the Climate Crisis

This research assesses green banks as a financial vehicle to fund strategic energy and building decarbonization projects through the lens of Chicago and Philadelphia. These two cities pose topical case studies to analyze post-manufacturing, segregated communities with aging building stock and historical disinvestment in black and brown communities. Will green bank investments address climate concerns in a racially just manner, or are they simply contributing to green gentrification?

Led by: Lia Downing (MCP '24)

Geography: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Chicago, Illinois