Very well researched with a refreshing perspective. Checker provides a alternative stance to the popularized path to sustainability by shining a light on how the approaches promoted through popular figures in government and the world at large disproportionately impacts lower-income communities. Definitely recommend to friends old and young.

Though couched in the language of environmental care, Checker argues that sustainability in the 21st century is less about collective stewardship than it is about frequent cooption by neoliberal interests. Billed as 'sustainaphrenia,' Checker uses studies of NYC neighborhoods to demonstrate how a green agenda as conceived by politicians and real estate developers disproportionately impacts lower-income communities. Additional parks and LEED-certified buildings notwithstanding, the addition of these environmentally-friendly amenities also play a role in uneven development and may lead to the displacement of residents.

The Sustainability Myth is a welcome addition to the growing body of work on gentrification. Yes, the writing *is* academic--I'd recommend it for students of geography, urban studies, as well as for those working towards justice.

I've seen this happen, over the years, in my own, and other, cities around the country. Probably global in some developed countries, as well. As soon as an area becomes desirable, for whatever reason marketing says it is, rents go up, the poor get pushed out. Historically, this isn't really anything new. The city centers get rich, more people move in, the rich want more space and move further out. Soon, the money leaves the city (jobs that pay, anyway) and the poor are left behind. Then, it's rediscovered that the city center can be used again! And the move reverses...yo-yo. Right now it's sustainability and the environment. Either way, the poor are left on their own to fend for themselves. Where they live isn't desirable for whatever reason so they and their neighborhoods hold no interest to the moneyed. Sad situation. But certainly not new. I enjoyed Melissa Checkers book very much as it puts it all together very nicely into a readable book.

As a young professional working with circular economy and sustainability, I was inclined to pick up this book immediately after reading its description. In The Sustainability Myth, Professor Melissa Checker explores the various drawbacks of the so-called "sustainable policies" in New York, a place full of urban gardens, innovative solutions and many educated young people with high ambitions and environmental awareness.

Checker debunks the myth that these innovative solutions are great no matter what if they contribute to environmental protection. She further opened my eyes to the social problems that follow such policies and initiatives, namely environmental gentrification. In a place as economically, ethnically, and socially diverse as New York City, it is imperative that policymakers and investors focus on bringing a clean environment to anyone regardless of these factors. Otherwise, they may be doing more harm than good.

I highly recommend this publication to anyone interested in circular economy, environment, public policy and green investment. The added advantage is that if you ever visit NYC, the places explored by the author will come to life even more, which is something I'm really looking forward to post-Covid. The only drawback is that the writing is certainly quite academic, and I think it would benefit from being simplified.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.