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

portrait of professional woman

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

45 minutes ago - The Texas Tribune

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board