Moving with the Coast: Exploring Relocation in a Changing Climate

From Nature is the Solution by The Nature Conservancy

February 17, 2026 · 31 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and strategies of relocating coastal residents in response to climate change impacts.

As rising seas and stronger storms threaten homes and infrastructure, some coastal residents are wrestling with a fundamental question: when is it time to move away from flood-prone homes? We examine what it means to relocate thoughtfully—ensuring safety, preserving community ties, and planning for a sustainable future. By shifting with the coastline rather than resisting the changes, relocation is a forward-looking strategy that can open pathways to long-term resilience for people and nature alike. Host: Emma Gildesgame, Climate Adaptation Director Also featuring: Leigh Meunier, CREW; Carrie Hulet, CH Consulting; and community members, town counselors, and others from Winthrop, MA. Note: In the months since we recorded this episode, the town of Winthrop has made news for another reason—it’s being sued by the Massachusetts Attorney General for being out of compliance with the Commonwealth’s MBTA Communities zoning laws. This means that the town is no longer eligible for the state funding it desperately needs to act on climate resilience. The Winthrop Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Climate, which you’ll hear from in this episode, voted to suspend its operations until the town…

People in this episode

Host: Emma Gildesgame

Guests: Leigh Meunier, Carrie Hulet

Topics covered

climate change
relocation
coastal resilience
community planning
flood-prone homes

Keywords

climate adaptation
coastal communities
flooding
sustainability
community ties

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Massachusetts Attorney General, Winthrop Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Climate, Commonwealth

Places: Winthrop, MA