Making Space for Water: Reimagining Our Relationship to the Coast

In this talk, Emma Gildesgame, Climate Adaptation Director at The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts, explored how coastal communities can proactively plan for rising sea levels and intensifying storms, shifting the focus from whether to adapt to how. She shared insights from her work facilitating community conversations about coastal relocation as one strategy within a broader climate adaptation toolkit, addressing misconceptions and highlighting voluntary, community-centered approaches that enhance safety while allowing coastal ecosystems to adjust. The presentation also covered emerging state efforts, including a developing Massachusetts statewide buyout program, and emphasized the relevance of these issues for Greater Newburyport—from Plum Island to the Merrimack River—offering attendees a deeper understanding of the options communities are considering in response to a changing coastline.

Emma’s slides are available here.