Where next for managed retreat: Bringing in history, community and under-researched places

Abstract

Managed retreat—the purposive and coordinated movement of people away from climate risks—has risen in importance, discussion and urgency in recent years. As climate threats increase in size and scope, both scholarly and policy responses are likely to take increasing interest in this deeply geographic phenomenon. This is an important juncture to take stock, and reflect on what Geography can offer both academic and policy responses to managed retreat. While managed retreat has developed a critical and useful set of tools and ideas for dealing with profound climate adaptation measures, there remain omissions. Here we point to the historical perspective, participative community-based approaches, and diversifying from over-researched examples that can dominate this (sub)field as aspects that can all be strengthened going forward. To end, we offer three recommendations for further thought on managed retreat.