Urban resilience is defined as the "measurable ability of any urban system, with its inhabitants, to maintain continuity through all shocks and stresses, while positively adapting and transforming towards sustainability".[1] It has conventionally been used to describe the change in structure and function of urban areas. Urban resilience is the ability of a city to survive, adapt, and grow in the face of chronic stresses and acute shocks. It refers to the capacity of a city's systems, institutions, businesses, communities, and individuals to withstand and respond to these stresses and shocks.
A resilient city is one that assesses, plans and acts to prepare for and respond to hazards, regardless of whether they are natural or human-made, sudden or slow-onset, expected or unexpected. Resilient cities are better positioned to protect and enhance people's lives, secure development gains, and drive positive change.[1]