Managed Retreat 2100
Human & Community Centered Resilience
Managed Retreat
What is Managed Retreat and how do we facilitate
it holistically and human-centered?

What is Managed Retreat?
the proactive movement and transition of people and ecosystems away from vulnerable coastal areas to avoid the loss of homes or lives before disasters or climate incidents occur.

Why is Managed Retreat so Taboo?
there are very few government initiatives, plans, or programs in the United States to subsidize communities and homeowners want to take preventive measures to relocate before disaster strikes
It's expensive and won't win politicians many votes.

Why is
Managed Retreat so Difficult?
People have strong ties to where they live and change is difficult to accept.
People are very protective of the place they call home.

How is Managed Retreat Facilitated?
Empowering people and providing funding, choice, and say in their future is essential to successful human centered retreat.
Engagement
Empathy
Funding
Empowerment
Choice

Where can Managed Retreat be executed?
Managed retreat can be used in costal areas, areas prone to fire, or any other situation that put lives at risk
Any where that has the potential for devastating impacts from
climate change

What does the future Rockaway Peninsula Look Like?
A nearly complete & total retreat from the Rockways — meaning the end of permanent human habitation on the peninsula.
By 2100, there is a high likely hood that climate change will cause the sea levels to rise by 10 feet. With this level of sea inundation, the Rockaway Peninsula will be mostly underwater.

How do we Manage Retreating
from the Rockaways?
Equity First Strategies & Policies
Equitable distribution of funds for relocation should be allocated, first to families and populations that have been historically underrepresented or burdened by unsafe & death threatening environmental conditions for decades.
Guiding Principles of Managed Retreat
Strategies Over Solutions
Visioning high-level possibilities for the future & frameworking paths towards community resilience

1
Climate Crisis
is Here
Building Community knowledge to protect physical and mental wellbeing is essential
2
Proactive
Planning
Must accept the future impact of sea rise and climate change to create community resilience
3
Maintain Community
Retreat from coastal areas will be necessary — relocation does not equal loss of community
4
People
Over Profit
Retreat will be costly, future human safety must take priority over capitalistic development
5
Right to Housing
Due to climate change, loss of homes will happen secure transition to new housing is critical
6
Community is Diverse
To ensure a just, equitable transition underrepresented voices must be elevated and heard
7
Consensus is Hard
Diverse experiences and desires will make consensus difficult, understanding & empathy
is vital