Introduction
In the context of geography, global risks and resilience are critical areas of study, particularly given the increasing frequency and intensity of natural and human-induced hazards. Understanding these concepts is essential for developing strategies to mitigate risks and enhance the resilience of urban and rural areas. This study note will delve into the components of urban resilience, the vulnerabilities of cities, and the strategies for designing resilient cities. It will also explore the resilience of societies to climate change, factors affecting ecosystem resilience, and strategies to manage climatic risks in urban areas.
Resilient City Design
What is Urban Resilience?
Urban resilience refers to the capacity of urban communities, businesses, populations, and systems to function and remain economically productive despite facing various challenges and setbacks. It focuses on both chronic stresses and shock events:
- Chronic Stresses: These include long-term issues such as inadequate water and transport infrastructure.
- Shock Events: These are sudden, severe events like flooding or terrorism.
Why Are Cities Vulnerable?
Cities are particularly vulnerable due to several factors:
- Population Density: Higher population densities increase the potential impact of disasters.
- Natural Hazards: Many cities are located in areas prone to natural hazards. For example, Manila and Tokyo face multiple natural hazards.
- Economic Activity: Urban areas are centers of economic activity, making the economic impact of disasters more severe.
- Climate Change: Increasing the frequency and severity of natural hazards like flooding, drought, and tropical cyclones.
Measuring Resilience
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) outlines four components of resilience:
- Economic: Diversity within industries, a dynamic economy, and innovation.
- Social: An inclusive society, active communities, safe neighborhoods, and healthy citizens.
- Environmental: A diverse ecosystem, infrastructure to meet basic needs, and sufficient natural resources.
- Governance: Clear leadership and management, integrated approaches, a skilled public sector, and open governance.
Resilient City Design Strategies
Resilience can be incorporated into urban planning and design through various strategies:
- Infrastructure Improvements: Enhancing the durability and functionality of infrastructure.
- Urban Heat Reduction: Implementing measures to reduce urban heat islands.
- Energy Efficiency: Promoting the use of energy-efficient technologies and practices.
- Creation of Green Spaces: Developing parks and green areas to improve environmental quality.
- Emergency Preparedness: Establishing plans and systems to respond effectively to emergencies.
- Flood Mitigation: Implementing measures such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.
In cities vulnerable to tectonic hazards, additional measures include:
- Improved Planning and Building Regulations: Ensuring buildings and infrastructure can withstand earthquakes.
- Earthquake-Resistant Building Design: Using materials and designs that reduce the risk of collapse.
- Land Use Zoning: Avoiding the placement of vital infrastructure in high-risk areas.
- Education: Informing the population about the actions to take before, during, and after an event.
- Hazard Mapping: Identifying the most vulnerable areas.
Resilience of Societies
Factors Contributing to Societal Resilience
Resilience refers to a society's ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from climate change impacts. Key factors include:
- Economic Stability: Wealthier regions have more resources to recover quickly from disasters.
- Social Equity: Vulnerable communities are often more severely affected by climate change.
- Adaptive Capacity: The ability to adapt to climate change varies significantly between regions and countries.
Example:
Netherlands vs. Bangladesh: The Netherlands has advanced flood defenses, while Bangladesh remains highly vulnerable to flooding due to limited resources.
Perspectives on Climate Change
Individual experiences, societal values, and policies all influence perspectives on climate change, shaping how people and societies respond to climate challenges.
Tip:
Remember that climate change impacts societies differently based on their socio-economic conditions. Wealthy and developed regions can better adapt and mitigate impacts, while poorer and developing areas are more vulnerable.
Responding to Global Climate Change
Risk & Vulnerability
Exposure and vulnerability to climate change vary due to factors such as location, wealth, age, gender, and education. Vulnerability depends on people's level of exposure, potential harm, and mitigation strategies.
Strategies to Manage Climatic Risks in Urban Areas
Cities are integrating planning and building design to mitigate climatic risks. Examples include:
- Mexico City: Installing rainwater harvesting systems to address water supply issues.
- Melbourne, Australia: Stormwater harvesting, investment in green spaces, and permeable surfaces to reduce flooding risk.
- Rotterdam, Netherlands: Flood-resistant building design, floating neighborhoods, water squares, and increased green spaces.
Factors Affecting Ecosystem Resilience
Biodiversity
- High Biodiversity: Increases resilience by providing a variety of species that can adapt to changes.
- Low Biodiversity: Decreases resilience, making ecosystems more vulnerable.
Example:
Tropical Rainforests: High biodiversity helps them recover from disturbances. Monoculture Farms: Less resilient to pests and diseases.
Habitat Fragmentation
- Connected Habitats: Enable species to migrate and adapt to changes.
- Fragmented Habitats: Isolate species and split populations, reducing their ability to adapt.
Note:
Climate change can lead to habitat loss, altered food webs, and extreme weather events, all of which can reduce biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Conclusion
Understanding global risks and resilience is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of natural and human-induced hazards. By incorporating resilience into urban planning and design, enhancing societal resilience, and managing climatic risks, we can create more sustainable and resilient communities.