Give me back my "Resiliency": How a vital concept became overly linked to climate change

A pet peeve of mine having studied a master’s degree in international development and disaster response is the way "resiliency," a concept with rich meaning and application across various fields, has become almost entirely synonymous with climate change.

I recently had a conversation about the use of the term in some marketing for a product that does actually make built assets more resilient in it’s engineering sense, but the decision was made to drop it due to the climate change connotations. Hence this article.

This narrowing mirrors how the term "sustainability" was appropriated by so many companies that it lost much of its original significance. Sustainability was term that came from academia with great intentions of promoting a more circular use of resources but is now a catch-all tag that sells more products.

Let's not let "resilience" go the same route. My goal is to rescue resiliency.

The True Origins of Resiliency

"Resiliency" has a rich history, emerging from diverse fields like ecology and psychology in the mid-20th century.

Ecological Beginnings

In 1973, Canadian ecologist C.S. Holling introduced the idea of resilience in his landmark paper, "Resilience and Stability of Ecological Systems." Holling defined resilience as the capacity of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances while maintaining its core structure and functions. This concept highlighted the inherent strength of natural systems to endure and adapt without collapsing.

Psychological Insights

Simultaneously, psychologists explored resilience in human behaviour. They sought to understand why some individuals could maintain mental health and adapt positively despite facing significant adversity. This exploration led to the development of resilience theories centred on human development and coping mechanisms.

The Shift Toward Climate Change

While climate change is undeniably critical, the concept of resilience has been almost entirely co-opted by it, overshadowing its broader implications. This parallels the fate of "sustainability," which became a buzzword used by so many companies that it became almost meaningless.

Disaster Risk Reduction

Initially, the global community recognized the importance of resilience in disaster risk reduction. Frameworks like the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) emphasized resilience to natural disasters, including those linked to climate change.

Climate Adaptation

As climate impacts became more evident, the focus on resilience shifted primarily to the ability of communities, economies, and ecosystems to adapt to and recover from climate-related shocks. Resiliency became a key element of climate adaptation strategies, helping us withstand and bounce back from events like hurricanes, floods, droughts, and heatwaves.

Policy and International Agreements

International climate policies, especially the Paris Agreement of 2015, underscored the importance of enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience, and reducing vulnerability to climate change. These policies brought resilience to the forefront of global climate action, but at what cost?

The Broader Importance of Resiliency

Resilience should be central to various fields, not just climate change. Its broader applications are being neglected, much like how "sustainability" lost its impact when it became a corporate catch-all.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure

In urban planning, resilience is crucial for designing buildings, transportation systems, and public spaces that can withstand various shocks, not just climate-related ones. This proactive approach helps protect our cities and keeps them functional during and after all types of incidents.

Ecosystem-Based Approaches

In conservation, resilience thinking should promote ecosystem-based approaches, enhancing the ability of natural systems to adapt to a range of changes, not solely those caused by climate. This involves protecting and restoring natural habitats, which can act as buffers against multiple types of impacts.

Community and Societal Resilience

Building resilient communities goes beyond physical infrastructure and climate change. It includes social and economic dimensions, emphasizing the need for social equity and economic stability in the face of diverse challenges. By fostering strong, adaptable communities, we ensure a more robust response to all forms of adversity.

Conclusion

From its origins in ecology and psychology, the concept of resiliency has evolved to become crucial in our response to a range of challenges. Yet, by focusing almost exclusively on climate change, we risk losing sight of its broader significance, much like how "sustainability" lost its impact due to overuse and misuse. As we continue to face various global challenges, we must remember that building resilience in our ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities is vital for more than just climate adaptation.

Is resiliency going to become a marketing catchphrase for tech companies in the climatech sector? It might be too late but maybe we can rescue the use of resiliency to regain it’s broader and more useful meaning.