Response diversity as a sustainability strategy

Financial advisers recommend a diverse portfolio to respond to market fluctuations across sectors. Similarly, nature has evolved a diverse portfolio of species to maintain ecosystem function amid environmental fluctuations. In urban planning, public health, transport and communications, food production, and other domains, however, this feature often seems ignored. As we enter an era of unprecedented turbulence at the planetary level, we argue that ample responses to this new reality - that is, response diversity - can no longer be taken for granted and must be actively designed and managed. We describe here what response diversity is, how it is expressed and how it can be enhanced and lost. A varied repertoire of responses helps manage fluctuations, as in markets. This Perspective argues that society needs to strengthen the diversity of options for responding to disruptions, exploring how this response diversity is expressed, how it can be built and lost, and what we can do to promote it.

Automated summary

Financial advisers suggest diversifying investment portfolios to adapt to market fluctuations, and similarly, nature has diversified species to maintain ecosystem function. However, in areas such as urban planning, public health, transportation, and food production, this diversity seems overlooked. As we enter a period of unprecedented turbulence, it is important to actively design and manage response diversity. This Perspective discusses what response diversity is, how it can be expressed, enhanced, and lost, and emphasizes the need to strengthen diverse options for responding to disruptions.