High Waters, Higher Stakes: Why Cambridge Must Rethink Future Development
High Waters, Higher Stakes: Why Cambridge Must Rethink Future Development Written in conjunction with the Cambridge Citizens Coalition The construction/relocation of infrastructure, buildings, and communities from areas that are vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and other environmental hazards is referred to as 'managed retreat.’ This concept has become a critical tool for climate change adaptation, particularly in regions facing rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity. By proactively withdrawing from high-risk areas, managed retreat aims to reduce damage, protect human lives, and minimize economic losses over the long term. It is often paired with policies to restore natural ecosystems, such as wetlands and floodplains, which can serve as buffers against flooding. In Cambridge, managed retreat is an especially relevant strategy. As a city with a significant portion of its land located near sea level and adjacent to the Charles River, Alewife Brook (and numerous buried...