Making Space for Water: Reimagining Our Relationship to the Coast

As sea levels rise and storms intensify, coastal communities are facing difficult choices about how to adapt. Emma Gildesgame, Climate Adaptation Director at The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts, will discuss how communities are planning for changing coastlines and exploring coastal relocation as one strategy within a broader climate adaptation toolkit. This presentation will cover what voluntary, community-centered relocation can look like, address common misconceptions, and share updates on emerging state programs, including a Massachusetts statewide buyout program in development. Especially relevant for Greater Newburyport, this talk offers an opportunity to learn about local coastal risks and adaptation options.