Inside the MR2025 Conference: Planning for Adaptation, Mobility and Relocation in a Warming World

In episode 233 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons takes you inside the 2025 MR Conference at Columbia University, a gathering focused on the complex realities of climate-driven movement—whether we call it managed retreat, relocation, or mobility. What does it mean to leave behind homes, neighborhoods, or entire communities in response to climate risks—and how do we do it in ways that prioritize justice and long-term resilience? The episode explores the politics of place attachment, the financial systems that shape who can move and who can't, and how storytelling helps bring these abstract issues down to the human level. You'll hear from a diverse group of voices across disciplines, and from former Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado, who calls for moral leadership and shared responsibility in a world facing climate-driven displacement. Whether you're an adaptation professional or simply trying to understand what's coming, this episode delivers timely insights from the frontlines of climate planning. This episode was generously sponsored by Tulane University's Center on Climate Change and Urbanism. Experts in this Episode: Dr. Alex de Sherbinin – Chair of MR2025 Organizing Committee and Director and Senior Research Scientist, at the Center for Integrated Earth System Information (CIESIN) at the Columbia Climate School President Carlos Alvarado – Former President of Costa Rica Kelly Main - Founder and Executive Director Buy-in Community Planning Olga Loginova - Journalist and documentary filmmaker Loïck Le Roy – Phd Student at Sorbonne University Rob Moore - Director climate adaptation at the Natural Resources Defense Council Macey Williams - Resilience Manager at the Center for Planning Excellence Dr. Jesse Keenan - Favrot II Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate and Urban Planning School of Architecture at Tulane University   Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Links in this episode: https://ciesin.climate.columbia.edu/events/mr2025-mobility-adaptation-and-wellbeing-changing-climate Leaving the Island, the investigative podcast about the first federal attempt to resettle an entire island in Louisiana because of climate change. Official web page: https://www.audiation.fm/leaving-the-island Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19fkNUWn64WtBYFkSdAJYA?si=110b66ca8a404045 www.olga-loginova.com   Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Donate to America Adapts Follow on Apple PodcastsFollow on Android Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible! For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.   Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we're also on YouTube! Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com