Measuring resilience is essential if we are to understand it
Stuart L Pimm1, Ian Donohue2, José M Montoya3
1Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, USA.
Nature Sustainability
|December 21, 2019
Summary
Understanding stability in complex systems requires clear measurements. This study addresses the need for practical metrics to compare changes in social and environmental systems, moving beyond vague terms like sustainability and resilience.
Area of Science:
- Social and environmental systems analysis
- Complex systems science
Background:
- Terms like "sustainability" and "resilience" are frequently used to describe system stability.
- The widespread use of these terms highlights a critical need to understand changes in complex social and environmental systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the need for practical measurements in characterizing changes in complex systems.
- To facilitate comparisons and untangle underlying relationships within these systems.
Main Methods:
- The abstract does not specify methods.
- Further research is needed to define specific methodologies.
Main Results:
- The abstract does not specify results.
- The study emphasizes the necessity of practical measurements.
Conclusions:
- Practical measurements are essential for comparing and understanding changes in complex social and environmental systems.
- Standardized metrics are crucial for advancing the study of system stability.
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