One of the topics associated with climate change is called Managed Retreat.
It is the idea that people should be per-emptively relocated from areas subject to massive storms and severe flooding.
Stephanie Stern is a University of Arizona professor specializing in water law. She explains Managed Retreat is a touchy subject.
“I think any time people hear about the government being involved and people moving from their homes there is a strong reaction," said Stern. "However, it is worth emphasizing that managed retreat as practiced in the United States is voluntary.”
Stern notes the impact of climate change has already been felt in other countries where plans are already underway for safe relocation of people in coastal areas. She says it is also an issue in Arizona cities like Tucson where wildfires and flash flooding can threaten residents every year.
