How has the concept of resilience evolved since its introduction to ecology? This paper traces the development of resilience as a key concept in ecological studies, starting with MacArthur's influential work in 1955. It reviews the various stability-related concepts explored by ecologists, including persistence, resistance, and variability, highlighting the unique staying power of resilience. The author emphasizes that the literature on resilience has been predominantly ecological, with its applications and studies largely confined to the context of ecosystems. It analyzes the reasons behind its success as an ecological concept and its ability to solve environmental problem. Focusing on the origins of resilience within ecology, the paper underscores its significance within this domain. The research direction proposed here may have relevance for environmental policies. It suggests a potential for broader applications.
Published in Environment and Development Economics, this paper aligns with the journal's focus on the intersection of environmental issues and economic analysis. By tracing the concept of resilience from its ecological origins to its potential applications in economics, the article contributes to the journal’s broader exploration of sustainable development and resource management. The paper's emphasis on the economic implications of resilience makes it particularly relevant to the journal’s readership.