Climate justice and informal trader's access to urban green spaces

Rapid urbanisation, climate change and the loss of urban green space pose significant challenges to self-employed informal traders. Street vendors disproportionately face increased climate-related risks that harm their productivity, income, access to infrastructure, trading hours, and customer footfall. Although urban green spaces provide important ecosystem services, urban planning often neglects the needs of street vendors, raising climate justice concerns. This article investigates the unequal climate risks affecting informal traders, the benefits of green spaces for their livelihoods, and the vital role of informal trade in Windhoek, Namibia's economy. Qualitative research, encompassing 56 semi-structured interviews, two focus groups, and participatory mapping in four markets, highlights green spaces as essential for informal traders to adapt to heat stress and flash flooding. Due to their accessibility, communal ownership, and affordability, green spaces provide benefits often absent in traditional infrastructure. Strategically planted trees improve pedestrian and transport routes, creating gathering points that support trade. The study proposes urban design strategies for inner-city areas integrating green infrastructure with informal trade activities, emphasising adaptation planning and moving beyond conventional formalisation. These insights can guide urban planners, ecologists, and developers in creating more inclusive, climate-resilient African cities that cater to the diverse needs of all urban citizens. • Extreme heat disproportionately impacts the working conditions and income of informal traders. • Green space offers ecosystem service and adaptation benefits (e.g., shade, air purification). • Green infrastructure is an economic asset in urban markets (e.g., customer appeal). • Urban design strategies for inner-city areas must green infrastructure with informal trade. • Inclusive adaptation planning supports the legitimacy of informal trade.