Q. What do you understand by the term climate resilience? What is the need for it?
Ans: Climate resilience refers to the capacity of individuals, communities, ecosystems, and systems to anticipate, absorb, adapt to, and recover from the adverse impacts of climate change. It goes beyond mere survival—it involves bouncing forward by transforming development pathways to withstand future climate shocks.
Key Features of Climate Resilience
- Anticipation: Identifying climate risks through early warning systems and vulnerability assessments.
- Absorption: Minimizing damage through robust infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
- Adaptation: Adjusting practices, policies, and behaviors to cope with changing climate conditions.
- Transformation: Reorienting systems to be more sustainable and equitable in the long term.
Need for Climate Resilience
1. Rising Climate Hazards
- Increased frequency of floods, droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones threaten lives and livelihoods.
- Urban areas face pluvial flooding and heat island effects, while rural regions suffer crop failures and water stress.
2. Vulnerable Populations
- Poor, elderly, women, and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected.
- Building resilience ensures inclusive protection and social equity.
3. Economic Stability
- Climate disasters cause billions in losses annually; resilience reduces recovery costs and protects GDP.
- Enhances business continuity, supply chain stability, and investment confidence.
4. Sustainable Development
- Supports achievement of SDGs, especially those related to poverty, health, and environment.
- Promotes climate-smart agriculture, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions.
In conclusion, climate resilience is essential to ensure that development is sustainable, inclusive, and prepared for future uncertainties, especially in a rapidly warming world.
Read: OPSC Notes