Discovering the Secrets of Long-Term Resilience: A 30,000-Year Study on Human Population Responses to Crises

Human societies have always faced crises, and their ability to resist and recover from them is crucial for their survival. While much research has been done on resilience in the present, the factors that contribute to long-term resilience have received less attention. To address this gap, Philip Riris and his colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of prehistoric population responses to environmental and cultural disturbances over a 30,000-year period, drawing data from 16 locations worldwide.

The study found that frequent disturbances increase populations’ ability to endure and bounce back from crises, with the effect being influenced by land-use patterns. Farming and herding societies are more susceptible to population-reducing crises but are also more resilient overall. These findings draw parallels with ecological principles where natural disturbances are believed to enhance the long-term resilience of ecosystem services. The authors suggest that humanity’s long-term population growth may have been sustained by positive feedback loops of vulnerability, resistance, and recovery.

The implications of this research are significant for future population growth and resilience-building efforts in contemporary societies. The study highlights the role of historical experiences in shaping the ability of societies to withstand and recover from challenges, offering valuable insights for policy-makers and planners in building more resilient communities.