Survival of the Resilient
By the middle of the century, 70 percent of the world’s population will live in urban centers. The consequential pressure on resources and increasing natural disasters have created a new urgency for cities to adapt to this new normal. Cities that meet this challenge will thrive; those that do not face extinction
JUST AS THE NATURAL WORLD HAS TO ADAPT TO SURVIVE, SO TOO DO OUR URBAN CENTERS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE PLANET AND THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH WE LIVE ARE EVOLVING FASTER THAN CONCRETE AND STEEL EVER COULD.
JUST AS THE NATURAL WORLD HAS TO ADAPT TO SURVIVE, SO TOO DO OUR URBAN CENTERS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE PLANET AND THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH WE LIVE ARE EVOLVING FASTER THAN CONCRETE AND STEEL EVER COULD.The battle to survive will be won or lost on the field of resiliency. Urban centers absolutely must implement proper resiliency programs to ensure their competitive edge and livability for future generations.
Cities are their own unique ecosystems, living and growing entities. They are centers of art, heritage and cultural pride. Their vibrancy attracts visitors, while their wow factors make them unique. These ecosystems work best when economic, social, transport and utility infrastructure operate together efficiently and in harmony – in essence,when resiliency is at work.
To read more of this viewpoint by John Batten, Global Director of Cities, view download below.
