Human populations have long been able to resist and recover from frequent disturbances, according to a study published in Nature. Philip Riris and his colleagues analyzed 30,000 years of human history at 16 locations worldwide to quantify patterns of population resistance to disturbances.
Their findings show that frequent downturns increase the ability of populations to withstand and recover from disturbances. This effect is influenced by land-use patterns, with farming and herding societies being more vulnerable to crises but also more resilient overall. The study draws parallels with ecology, where natural disturbances are believed to enhance the long-term resilience of ecosystems.
The authors suggest that humanity’s long-term population growth may have been sustained by positive feedback cycles of vulnerability, resistance, and recovery. This study sheds light on the importance of resilience in shaping human societies throughout history and has implications for future population growth and resilience-building strategies.