The fourth wave of climate urbanism: a research agenda for urban climate justice amid right-wing populism
2026-04-16
Right-wing populist backlashes are emerging against climate actions in Global North cities. Simultaneously, discontent grows over socially disconnected climate agendas, further enabling populist support. These intertwined dynamics create a complex socio-political backlash that undermines urban climate measures and broader demands for climate justice. We argue that we are entering a fourth wave of research on climate urbanism that calls for an inward reflection on injustices and an outward engagement with backlash.