The fourth wave of climate urbanism: a research agenda for urban climate justice amid right-wing populism

Abstract 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.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
npj Urban Sustainability
Published
2026-04-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-026-00385-2
Primary Topic
Climate Change Communication and Perception
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

The fourth wave of climate urbanism: a research agenda for urban climate justice amid right-wing populism

Neelakshi Joshi, Mahir Yazar, Fayola Jacobs
npj Urban Sustainability
Climate Change Communication and Perception
article

The fourth wave of climate urbanism: a research agenda for urban climate justice amid right-wing populism

Neelakshi Joshi, Mahir Yazar, Fayola Jacobs
article en

Abstract

Abstract 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.

npj Urban SustainabilityVol. 6(1)
University of Minnesota (US), Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (DE), University of Bergen (NO)
Leibniz-Gemeinschaft
Climate action
Openalex Percentile: Top 17%
Climate Change Communication and Perception
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.