What are the connections between climate resilience actions and equity? Below are snippets outlining these connections. Read Toronto's 2019 Resilience Strategy for an inspiring example of how cities can prioritize equity and resilience in their climate plans.

Equity and Resilience Synergies:

Making cities more resilient requires a focus on equity. We know that residents experience resilience differently based on which neighbourhood they live in, and who they are, including in terms of their race, income, and gender. We also know that access to safe and liveable homes and reliable infrastructure is not equitably distributed across the city. For example, apartment towers, where one in three low-income families live, are disproportionately vulnerable to extreme heat and power shortages. And we know that vulnerable residents are much less likely to participate in civic processes or see themselves reflected by government. (Toronto Resilience Strategy)

Climate change resilience is essentially the flip side of vulnerability. It is 'the ability to survive, recover from, and even thrive in changing climatic conditions.' Some aspects of resilience include physical and psychological health, social and economic equity and well-being, availability of information and effective risk communication, integration of governmental and non-governmental organizations, and social capital and connectedness. (Modelling Toronto's Low Carbon Future)

Equity is distributing opportunities and resources by accommodating different needs and removing barriers in order to level out unfair and unjust outcomes so that all individuals can benefit. Advancing equity is a core component of building resilience. The ability of a city to survive and thrive in the face of challenges is as much about the strength of its communities and neighbourhoods as it is about the design and management of its infrastructure and buildings.

Additional Connections:

• Circular economy: A circular economy model can additionally achieve sustainability resilience goals and enhance prosperity and inclusivity (for more, see here).
• Infrastructure: Building resilient infrastructure is an important means of enhancing climate mitigation and adaptation and makes communities less vulnerable to severe weather events.
• Diverse initiatives: Resilience strategies can be applied to mobility, housing, governance, community planning, and environmental initiatives, in partnership with industry, academia, residents, and other stakeholders to maximize inclusivity and engagement.
• Focusing on the most vulnerable: Often there is significant overlap between climate vulnerable populations and equity seeking populations; these groups have less access to resources and opportunities and are more susceptible to climate impacts. Municipalities should prioritize actions and resources for those at-risk communities.

For more, see Benefits of Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Toronto: Climate Resilience.