Title

Grey to green: Tracing the path to environmental transformation and regeneration of a major industrial city

Abstract

The current study investigates the environmental transformation of Chattanooga, a city imbued with environmental paradoxes, in the context of turning points and trajectories. The research analyses events beginning the industrial prominence of Chattanooga in the post-World War era, environmental decay in the late 1960s and early 1970s, to the present day ‘green’ economy. Twenty five key informants were interviewed one-onone. Data was corroborated with review of documents and archival records, and field observations. Findings show distinct trajectories and turning points in the city's environmental history, backed by key decisions that helped transform reliance on heavy manufacturing to environmentally cleaner industries and a thriving service industry. The study captures urban resilience and the power of citizen visioning and community engagement. Lessons could be used to inform United States' rustbelt cities that have the same natural endowments and are still struggling to revitalize themselves socioeconomically.

Department(s)

Kinesiology

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2020.102987

Keywords

Chattanooga, Citizen engagement, Environmental history, Sustainability, Turning points

Publication Date

1-1-2021

Journal Title

Cities

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