Balancing Development and Environmentalism

Older generations often view development negatively, associating it with past disruptive events that displaced communities and destroyed green spaces. In contrast, younger generations, particularly those born after 1980, frame environmentalism around climate change, emphasizing the importance of reducing carbon emissions. They see urban density as advantageous for efficient energy use, less transportation emissions, and sustainable living practices. This generational split highlights the challenges cities face when attempting to increase housing density, facing legal pushback in various urban areas. To address these challenges, shifting decision-making power to state governments can help establish clear standards for housing development, as evidenced by legislative changes in Minneapolis that curtailed legal obstacles to city planning.