Populations have the ability to resist and recover from frequent disturbances, which can enhance their resilience, according to a new study published in Nature. The study analyzed 30,000 years of human history and found that frequent downturns increase the ability of populations to withstand and recover from disturbances. This effect is influenced by land-use patterns, with farming and herding societies being more vulnerable to crises but also more resilient overall.
Resilience is crucial for societies to endure and recover from crises. While much research has focused on present-day resilience, factors that contribute to long-term resilience have been less studied. Philip Riris and colleagues quantified patterns of prehistoric population resistance to disturbances over a 30,000-year period at 16 locations worldwide.
The study draws parallels with ecology, where natural disturbances are believed to enhance the long-term resilience of ecosystems. The authors suggest that humanity’s long-term population growth may have been sustained by positive feedback cycles of vulnerability, resistance, and recovery. This research highlights the importance of resilience in shaping human societies throughout history and has implications for future population growth and resilience-building strategies.