Abstract

The majority of the world’s population lives in cities and cities are the key to achieving resilience. Local governments own only part of the land and can only partially decide about measures that should be taken ‘on the ground’. Local governments are therefore highly dependent on individuals, communities, and businesses to adapt and transform and take action in their own backyards or neighbourhoods. Since, for many people, climate change is an abstract concept, it is often dependent on a rational understanding of statistical risk as provided by experts. Involving individuals, communities, and businesses in the process is a huge challenge. The City Resiliency Framework was developed by the 100 Resilient Cities initiative. The framework identified seven characteristics that various city systems need. Two characteristics, reflectiveness and inclusiveness, specifically relate to the importance of community involvement. Reflectiveness is the ability to learn from the past and act in times of crisis. Inclusiveness relates to the processes of good governance and effective leadership that ensure investments and actions are appropriate, address the needs of the most vulnerable, and collectively create a resilient city. This article explores the use of urban sketching and storytelling as methods for capturing the voices and experiences of the community. Narratives arguing for action have often disengaged their audiences from the problem, allowing them to believe that climate change is someone else’s problem, that it is not important for them, or that they are not in a position to make a difference. In urban sketching, vulnerabilities and possible solutions are sketched and shared with the communities as a means to start the resilience discussion. The storytelling method captures stories and past experiences from community members during chronic stress and acute shocks and can help policy makers to better understand the resilience challenges faced by specific communities.

Authors (5)