While environmental change has continuously taken place over billions of years, it is the scale, magnitude and speed at which this change is now occurring, and the consequences for sustainability, that is of concern.
The threats associated with environmental change are driving changes in governance and the way the world views the environment. Decisions about how to manage the environment and distribute the benefits from ecosystems will have significant implications for the future condition of ecosystems and the livelihoods of people. Adaptation and resilience building are also important approaches to responding to this change.
Adaptation is the adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected changes. Adaptation is required to reduce the risks and hazards associated with environmental change and to increase long term resilience of socio-ecological systems. Adaptation therefore needs to be built into all aspects of decision making, planning and management to build the long term resilience of socio-ecological systems, rather than only to improve our short term ability to cope with environmental change.
Resilience is the capacity to adapt to changing conditions and to maintain functionality and vitality in response to the impacts of change. Resilience building is needed at various levels including individuals, households, communities, and regions.