Development as adaptation: Framing and measuring urban resilience in Beijing

Abstract

As part of their efforts to cope with climate change, many municipal governments have considered the improvement of urban resilience as an important strategy. In this study, we take the megacity of Beijing as an example and conduct a mixed-methods research using both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore linkage between resilience and development. First, based on expert consultation, we develop an analytical framework and propose reference indicators for measuring urban resilience. Second, we conduct an exploratory factor analysis to justify this analytical framework and rank the urban resilience index for 16 districts in Beijing. Results indicate that urban resilience at the district level is distinguished by the characteristics of the district's functional zones. This implies that the development focus of each district influences the driving factors of urban resilience. This article provides evidence that development and adaptation can be complementary. We showcase in Beijing that urban generic resilience is highly dependent on socio-economic development and urbanization, whereas specific resilience to climatic extremes can be attributed to natural endowment and environmental investment. In conclusion, using this study's findings as a guideline, mega-cities are urged to adopt development-oriented adaptation as a strategy of proactive risk planning in the context of rapid urbanization and global climate change in China.