Harnessing Network Science for Urban Resilience: The CASA Model's Approach to Social and Environmental Challenges

Abstract

Resilience in social systems is crucial for mitigating the impacts of crises, such as climate change, which poses an existential threat to communities globally. As disasters become more frequent and severe, enhancing community resilience has become imperative. This study introduces a cutting-edge framework, quantitative network-based modeling called Complex Analysis for Socio-environmental Adaptation (CASA) to evaluate and strengthen social resilience. CASA transforms resilience models' linear and static structure into a complex network that integrates complexity and systems thinking, utilizing global scientific knowledge and complex network methodologies. The resulting resilience framework features rich interdependencies, and subsequent dimensionality reduction produces robust resilience indicators. This innovative application of network sciences is then demonstrated by quantitatively assessing what are known as "Sacrifice Zones," socio-environmentally sensitive areas. Results unveil the potential of this novel application of complex network methodologies as tools for systemic diagnostics, identifying vulnerabilities, and guiding policies and practices to enhance climate resilience and adaptation. The CASA framework represents a pioneering tool for assessing territorial resilience, leveraging network science applications, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. CASA serves as a systemic diagnostic tool for urban resilience and a guide for policymakers, urban planners, and other professionals to promote sustainable, healthy cities in an era of climate change.