System resilience is necessary for sustainability from "summary" of Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows
System resilience is necessary for sustainability because it allows a system to adapt and persist through unexpected disturbances. Resilience is what keeps a system functioning within a certain range of conditions, despite external shocks or internal changes. It is the ability of a system to bounce back from disruptions, to absorb and integrate new information, and to continue evolving.
In a world where change is constant and unpredictable, resilience is essential for the long-term viability of any system. Without resilience, a system is vulnerable to collapse when faced with stressors or challenges that it cannot withstand. A system that lacks resilience is fragile, rigid, and prone to failure when conditions shift or when unexpected events occur.
Systems that are resilient have the capacity to absorb disturbances, to learn from them, and to use that knowledge to improve and adapt. Resilience is not about preventing change or avoiding challenges; it is about being able to respond effectively to change and to use disruptions as opportunities for growth and transformation. Resilient systems are flexible, innovative, and able to thrive in the face of uncertainty.
Sustainability is inherently linked to resilience because a system that is not resilient cannot be sustainable in the long run. A system that is not able to recover from shocks, to self-regulate, and to maintain its essential functions is not likely to endure over time. Sustainability requires the ability to adapt to changing conditions, to self-organize, and to maintain a dynamic equilibrium.
By building resilience into systems, we can increase their capacity to persist, to evolve, and to thrive in a changing world. Resilience is not a fixed attribute of a system; it is a dynamic quality that can be nurtured, cultivated, and enhanced over time. Investing in resilience is an investment in the future, in the ability of systems to endure and to flourish in the face of uncertainty and complexity.
