Resolving the Tension Between 'Resilience' and 'Sustainability'

Although "two of the hottest buzzwords in urban planning" - resilience and sustainability - are often used interchangeably, in many cases they actually work against each other. David Biello examines why both are crucial for the future of our cities.

1 minute read

October 23, 2012, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Biello uses the example of oft-polluting combined sewer outflows as one instance of a resilient system - one that "bounces back from challenges, unharmed" and can fail safely - that incorporates unsustainable actions. "Some of the most obvious ways to become more resilient are not
sustainable," observes Biello. "For example, if you are concerned about reliable
electricity, you can increase the resilience of your local grid by
buying a diesel generator, or two, or more."

"Fortunately, there are ways to think more creatively about how to
achieve the same resilience. So, instead of buying a couple big extra
generators, a thousand small generators on rooftops might be better, as
in the case of solar power on homes. Or programs that reduce the overall
demand for power-reducing the stress on the existing electrical
grid-can help avoid issues like the 2003 blackout."

"In the end," says Biello, "any enduring city must be resilient to a whole host of
challenges-from floods and fire to economic collapse-in order to last
for the long-term. And what could be more sustainable than that?" 

Monday, October 22, 2012 in Slate

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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