Climate Gentrification and Urban Youth: Investigating Displacement, Informal Power Structures, and Violence through a Randomized Controlled Trial

Low-income groups frequently experience marginalization and displacement when climate adaptation investments transform urban environments; this phenomenon is referred to as climate gentrification. This study investigates the ways in which these processes impact urban
kids, namely their access to protective resources, recruitment into informal power structures, and exposure to violence. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be used in this research to assess a multi-component intervention aimed at at-risk or displaced youth in urban districts affected by climate change. The intervention consists of: (1) safe space programming and mentoring; (2) civic participation in local adaptation planning; and (3) job training that is climate resilient. These elements seek to improve protective social networks and lessen young people's
susceptibility to violence.

If youth facing climate-related displacement gain access to mentorship, livelihoods, and a voice in urban adaptation, then their exposure to violence and informal coercion will decrease because social inclusion and opportunity reduce the appeal and pressure of violent or exploitative networks. Treatment and control groups will be assigned to communities at random in the RCT. We will monitor youth outcomes related to social capital, employment, safety, and involvement in violent or unofficial systems. Qualitative research will investigate how identity, power, and protection are shaped by spatial change brought on by climate change. In order to develop equitable, youth-centered urban resilience strategies, the study will evaluate gendered, racial, and geographic disparities. Community safety groups, youth organizations, local government, and climate planners will all be involved in the implementation.