eprintid: 4641
rev_number: 4
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/46/41
datestamp: 2024-07-22 10:46:57
lastmod: 2024-07-22 10:46:57
status_changed: 2024-07-22 10:46:57
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Rivera, Ian
creators_id: S5471931
creators_email: i.k.rivera@student.rug.nl
title: Heat and Justice: Assessing Urban Vulnerability and Climate Adaptation in Los Angeles
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: This thesis investigates the intraurban vulnerability to extreme heat in Los Angeles, focusing on 
the San Fernando Valley. Examining two areas, Arleta – Pacoima and Encino – Tarzana to 
understand how historical, socio-economic, and biophysical factors influence vulnerability to 
extreme heat. To explore the situation theories of vulnerability, urban climate justice, and 
maladaptation are utilized as they each impact extreme heat. Using a triangulation approach by 
combining policy document analysis, GIS analysis, and semi-structured interviews to assess 
existing conditions and adaptation strategies.  

The findings reveal significant disparities between the two neighborhoods. Arleta – Pacoima, a 
predominantly minority and lower-income area, showed greater vulnerability due to historical 
redlining, disinvestment, and inadequate infrastructure. GIS analysis depicted higher rates of 
poverty, health conditions exacerbated by extreme heat, and lower educational attainment in this 
area compared to the Encino – Tarzana area. Encino – Tarzana, a more affluent and predominantly 
white area depicted lower vulnerability, better infrastructure, and more green spaces. Through 
policy analysis, gaps between legislative intentions and real-world outcomes were highlighted. 
Although policies like Senate Bill 1000 and CF 22-156: Climate Action and Adaptation Plan in 
the City’s General Plan stress equity and recognitional justice, their implementation often does 
not address the needs of the most vulnerable communities. These gaps were emphasized by local 
government and community organizations, pointing to insufficient administrative support and the 
need for more inclusive adaptation strategies. This research concludes that intraurban vulnerability 
in Los Angeles is driven by governmental structure, historical redlining, and disinvestment in 
minority neighborhoods. Emphasizing that recognitional justice is crucial in shaping equitable 
adaptation strategies to avoid recreating existing inequalities.
date: 2024
pages: 86
thesis_type: master
degree_programme: SP
tutors_name: Turhan, E.
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Infrastucture Planning
tutors_email: e.turhan@rug.nl
security: public
keywords_local: Extreme Heat
keywords_local: Los Angeles
keywords_local: Vulnerability
keywords_local: Urban Climate Justice
keywords_local: Maladaptation
language_iso: en
date_issued: 2024-07-19
citation:   Rivera, Ian  (2024) Heat and Justice: Assessing Urban Vulnerability and Climate Adaptation in Los Angeles.  Master thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4641/1/Masters-ThesisS5471931.pdf