Settlements in coastal lowlands are vulnerable to risks associated with sea level rise and higher intensity storm events. Coastal lowlands of the Asia-Pacific region have among the highest population densities in the world. Economically marginalized populations in the region are likely to be disproportionately affected by climate change impacts. This research planned and executed a scoping workshop that hosted a multi-partner planning workshop and a field trip to support future research that designs models human responses to catastrophic monsoon events and sea level rise in South Asia. Results will provide a framework and an agenda for a sustained, place-based research program that investigates human responses.