The 2023 conference addressed a range of scientific, social, policy and governance issues around the concept of managed retreat—the intentional relocation of people and built structures away from coastline risks. The conference brought together stakeholders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, together with academics, scientists, and community representatives, to help develop a common understanding of this complex issue, and move the needle toward equitable solutions. A major emphasis was issues of environmental justice, in recognition that the people most impacted by decisions around retreat have a key role in these conversations.
Sponsor: The Columbia Climate School and the Earth Institute; organized by Columbia University’s Climate Adaptation Initiative