It is not only nature that must adapt to different types of disturbance. Even human society must have the capability to deal with sudden, unforeseen changes. It is therefore that some form of social resilience is required.
     A resilient social system is one with the capability to survive different types of change, be it from a political, social or natural disturbance. In this article we will discuss natural disturbances such as forest fires, declining fish numbers and poor harvests.
     Differing from ecological resilience (see Building resilience: a necessary task?) it can be said that social resilience has some degree of consciousness. We as humans plan and fantasize as to how the future will turn out. We can choose to make changes to certain structures and functions in our society. We can also attempt to predict different possible disturbances that may take place. This consciousness means that we may actively build up a social resilience increasing our chances of survival in the changeable environment we inhabit.
     When a devastating fire, fish shortage or insect plagued harvest suddenly strikes we are faced with a choice[1]. Are we going to simply wait and see what happens? Will we try to return to the old ecosystem by replanting trees, cultivating farmed fish or using a different insecticide? Or shall we accept that nature has changed and try to adapt to the new situation by relocating, reduced fishing or changing crops[2]?
     There is no one alternative that is wholly right or wrong. There is no perfect solution. However, in order to quickly determine the best alternative in each particular situation it is important that society is flexible and knowledgeable about how nature exists and functions. Because nature is a dynamic entity this knowledge of the ecosystem must be regularly updated. Society must furthermore ensure that this ecological awareness spreads throughout all its levels so that the person making a decision also has access to all relevant information concerning that particular case.
     For example, the Ministry for Fisheries, local fishing authorities and fishermen all make decisions which affect the fishing industry and should all have a good understanding of the fast and slow changes which occur in nature. The fisherman on one hand, observes daily how fish numbers are varying and can inform the local fishing authorities on any local changes who in turn inform the Ministry for Fisheries. The Ministry for Fisheries, on the other hand, probably have a more informed outlook over the whole region and can convey information of a larger scale so that it in turn reaches the fisherman.
     With the help of ecological knowledge, communication and flexibility society increases its capacity to adapt to nature's variations and build up ecological resilience[3]. Without ecological resilience, social resilience will not be apparent. Social resilience ultimately increases the future possibilities for our grandchildren to develop, live well and enjoy a healthy ecosystem.
     Read about how to create societies and ecosystems resilient to disturbances with the help of "adaptive management".