Managed retreat: Relocating communities to get them out of harm’s way.

More frequent extreme weather events put certain regions in the cross hairs of risks such as coastal flooding, heavy rain, and erosion. There is an obvious, but controversial, solution: relocating communities from vulnerable to safer areas. Based on examples from around the world, researchers chart the landscape for whether and how to implement the strategy of managed retreat – and how, with the minimum disruption possible, relocate or abandon development in the face of extreme weather risk.

Update on March 31: See comments section for some recommended citations on relocation efforts in Australia.

Historic Princeville, N.C. Survived Hurricane; What About FEMA?

I have written about this case recently. I do not have answers for the many questions raised, but this situation would be an excellent case study for the restore or move the town decision.

After Hurricane Matthew, Town Wonders: Rebuild Or Relocate? Flooding from Hurricane Matthew wrecked hundreds of homes in Princeville, N.C. It’s the second time the town has flooded in 20 years. Now residents debate whether to rebuild or just relocate.

Interesting news from the Brookings Institution: When protecting people from natural disasters and environmental change means relocating them.

Update:  See the comments attached, from Larry Larson, former head of the ASFPM.