A tale of two cities: Portland State research shows stark contrast between Portland and Phoenix in how cities address climate change

Portland has a reputation as an eco-leader. Through its pioneering land-use policies, robust transportation network and green infrastructure, the city’s government, residents and businesses show a collective responsibility for fixing global problems such as climate change. The city’s mild climate and abundant resources give it the luxury of being able to make environmental policies based on “what’s right” rather than what’s urgently needed.

Phoenix – more libertarian and less altruistic than Portland – looks at environmental issues as more of a matter of self interest. The city is more affected by the worst effects of climate change – drought, urban heat and air pollution – than Portland. Because of its urgent needs, it has become a kind of “accidental” environmental expert. 

A recent paper by Portland State University professor Jonathan Fink in the Journal for Environmental Policy and Planning illustrates the different ways the two cities are addressing climate change. It sheds light on how different cities can learn from each other. He shows that there there is no “one size fits all” approach, and that what’s appropriate in a city like Portland may actually be a poor fit for someplace like Phoenix, and vice versa.  

“As the global climate crisis gets more extreme, fewer and fewer cities will have the policy leeway that has blessed Portland,” Fink wrote.  “Instead, they will have to choose the least bad among unappealing options. Because of its geographic setting and realpolitik, Phoenix is better prepared to immediately advise the growing numbers of climate change victims, if it decides this is a priority, and if it can get their attention.”

Fink, a geologist, spent 30 years on the faculty of Arizona State University. He moved to Portland State University in 2010, where he served as the vice president of research.