Learning to Retreat From Rising Waters
September 2, 2021
With many areas in the United States experiencing major flooding, evidenced most recently by hurricanes Ida and Fred, residents in some communities—and sometimes even entire communities—are increasingly retreating to safer areas. The moves aren’t easy. But Nicholas Pinter notes in Issues that the nation actually has a long history of successful managed retreat from flood dangers. These dozens of case studies, he writes, offer key data for planning and implementing projects in the future. One overall lesson: relocation can often be cost-effective while also maintaining social bonds, promoting social justice, and protecting the local environment.