What does the term "climate resilience" refer to?

The term "climate resilience" refers to the capacity to maintain essential functions while adapting to climate-related impacts. This concept is rooted in the understanding that climate change poses a myriad of challenges, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting ecosystems. Climate resilience emphasizes the importance of adapting to these changes rather than solely focusing on preventing them.

Being climate-resilient means that systems—whether they are natural, social, or economic—can absorb shocks and stresses caused by climate impacts while still functioning effectively. This might involve implementing infrastructure improvements, developing adaptive resource management strategies, or enhancing community preparedness and response capabilities.

In contrast, other options might touch on related themes but do not accurately encapsulate the full meaning of climate resilience. Strengthening economic systems against shocks focuses more narrowly on economic stability, while the development of technologies to combat climate change emphasizes innovation rather than adaptation. Preventing environmental hazards in urban areas, while important, does not encompass the broader concept of resilience that includes adapting to changing conditions. Thus, the correct answer highlights the adaptive capacity that is central to understanding climate resilience in a comprehensive sense.