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Citizen science and concerns about sustainability can catalyze much-needed synergy between environmental education and science education.

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This paper advocates the use of Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory as a framework to analyse resilience at diverse scales. Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory can be employed to (a) benchmark social resilience, (b) target the priority interventions required and (c) measure progress arising from these interventions to enhance resilience to natural disasters. First, the paper explores resilience to natural disasters in the context of climatic change as building resilience is seen as a way to mitigate impacts of natural disasters. Second, concepts of resilience are systematically examined and documented, outlining resilience as a trait and resilience as a process. Third, issues arising in relation to the measurement of resilience are discussed. Fourth, Bronfenbrenner's bioecological systems theory is described and proffered to model and assess resilience at different scales. Fifth, studies are described which have supported the use of the bioecological systems theory for the study of resilience. Sixth, an example of the use of Bronfenbrenner's theory is offered and the paper concludes with suggestions for future research using Bronfenbrenner's theory.Keywords Resilience · Natural disaster · Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory · Community · Climate change 1 IntroductionThe world's climate is experiencing marked changes (IPCC 2007). These changes are set to be accompanied by an increase in the number and severity of natural disasters such as floods and droughts and present a need to formulate policy to deal with these predictions (Bosomworth and Handmer 2008;Bosher et al. 2009; COAG 2009;McBean and Rodgers 2010). In Australia, and elsewhere, we need to be prepared for rapid onset events such as wildfires, cyclones and floods and slow onset hazards such as drought.Emergency Management considers resilience essential for safeguarding communities or building safer communities. Disaster resilience is seen as a quality, characteristic or result that is developed by processes that foster or promote it. The ability of an individual, group, community or nation to deal with unique destabilising situations, or disaster resilience, is also seen as the …'shield', 'shock absorber' or buffer that moderates the outcome to ensure benign or small-scale negative consequences. Indeed, the goal of disaster risk management is to guarantee minimal loss of life and livelihoods and to allow the affected community or system to return to 'normal' within the shortest possible time. (Manyena 2006: 438) Prosser and Peters (2010) remind us that to support a disaster-resilient community, studies must focus on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Current Emer-gency Management policy in Australia (COAG 2009) and internationally (Berkes 2007;Folke et al. 2003; Tompkins and Adger 2004) concurs, asserting that building resilience into communities is essential in order to cope with climate change and concomitant natural disasters. This paper advocates the use of 2 Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory as a framework to analyse com...

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