Backlash is often swift when authorities try to plan retreat from the coast. There’s a better way

<https://theconversation.com/backlash-is-often-swift-when-authorities-try-to-plan-retreat-from-the-coast-theres-a-better-way-275790>

"Climate change is exacerbating rainfall, flooding and sea-level rises in
coastal and low lying areas. During the past few years, disastrous floods have
swept through Lismore in New South Wales, Northern Queensland, and the Great
Ocean Road in Victoria. Large waves have pounded beaches, causing erosion in
Byron Bay and Wamberal Beach in NSW and Lancelin, Western Australia.

With climate change likely to accelerate extreme weather in Australia, planned
or managed retreat – moving people and infrastructure away from these areas –
will grow only more important.

But planned retreat often provokes intense backlash from Australian communities
on the front line of climate change. Councils and state governments are
generally reticent to have this conversation with communities.

My research, published earlier this year, shows why planned retreat can become
emotional – and divisive and how planners and communities can tackle it.

The take-home message? Talking to people from both sides of the debate can help
a lot."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics