Building Resilience

By Chief Baker –

Why is resilience-building (implicit in the Doughnut) important in relation to ecosystem change? Climate change means that the environment will protect us less. Who (human) and what (environment) might suffer the most? Which areas of Devon are currently most in need/least resilient? What would it take to elevate places and people up and out of these situations? How? 

What are some scenarios that put us all ‘in the same boat’ and examples of positive outcomes? Which beacon communities are taking on a leadership role with regard to environmental degradation? Where are the pressure points in our systems, particularly rivers? How many systems that we rely on are changing? Which systems are the most vulnerable? Are gaps/opportunities being created? How is this linked to resilience? Where is the evidence of collective efforts not primarily driven by disproportionate financial gain or manufacturing growth? What skills are needed to aid in negotiating actions as the social contract shifts? 

How able are we to withstand shock? Which zones/properties are at risk of flooding? Where, what, who? This has been the remit of planners/developers with local authorities only providing guidance. Home buyers are referred by estate agents to historical Environment Agency data but “no-one wants to put their name to information that predicts the effects of climate change” (according to a local estate agent). What systems are in place to ‘cope with’ emergencies? What can be learned from places with high flood risk, like Buckfastleigh? What will happen when there’s a drought? 

So many questions, but one thing is clear: networks and relationships are vital–webs of human connectedness that support resilience in the face of upheaval.