Losing ground: Rethinking land loss in the context of managed retreat

Abstract

The common narrative around the climate crisis describes sea level rise, and other climate-induced emergencies, as a loss: Loss of land, loss of livelihood, and loss of value. This chapter argues that land loss is not inherently negative, but rather a result of natural landscape forces and processes of urbanization. Through two case studies, one on Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and one located in Greater Miami-Dade County, this chapter examines the relationship between land loss and society’s perceptions of property rights, urban development and flood risk, as well as planning and policy solutions. Ultimately, these case studies show how distinguishing land loss as a process not inherently tied to economic value can lead to new ways of thinking about hazard mitigation, climate adaptation, and managed retreat.