Systemic Risk Response case study series

Our approach to Systemic Risk Responses

Systemic risks don’t impact one area, community or sector at a time and the harms are not felt equally. ASRA’s Systemic Risk Response (SRR) Criteria turns big principles into practical, tangible and evidence-based actions that demonstrate how responses can protect both ecological systems and human communities from escalating threats. This case studies series provides a concise insight into real-world examples demonstrating the SRR criteria in action across issues, geographies, and scales so others can adapt what works and assess what “good” looks like.

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April 2025

The Doughnut model and Amsterdam’s Resilience Strategy

This case study explores the Doughnut model within the Doughnut Economics theory developed by economist Kate Raworth and its practical application through the Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL). In response to mounting ecological overshoot and persistent social inequities, the Doughnut model supports a global coalition of cities, communities, and institutions to embed systems thinking in economic governance.
April 2025

Community Managed Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh, India

The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative is a transformative, farmer-led response to systemic agricultural crises—soil degradation, water stress, biodiversity loss, and rural distress. Backed by the state and led by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), APCNF aims to transition six million farmers to chemical-free, agroecological farming.
April 2025

New Zealand's Dynamic Pathways for Resilient Planning

New Zealand has more than a decade of experience in adopting Decision Making Under Deep Uncertainty (DMDU) approaches, such as Dynamic Adaptive Pathways Planning (DAPP) to manage climate-related risks such as flooding and sea-level rise. These approaches help navigate uncertainty by stress-testing policy options, mapping alternative futures, and using “signals and triggers” to adjust actions before thresholds are crossed.
April 2025

Quito’s Resilient Agrifood System

Quito, Ecuador has built a resilient, inclusive agrifood system through two decades of coordinated, multi-stakeholder action. Faced with economic, geographic, and climate-related vulnerabilities, the city addressed the risk of food insecurity by integrating local government, civil society, academia, and businesses into participatory food policy networks. Key initiatives empowered communities to grow food, boost income, and influence policy.
April 2025

South Africa’s Climate Justice Charter Movement

Launched in 2020, South Africa’s Climate Justice Charter (CJC) is a grassroots-driven legal and moral framework responding to the country’s escalating climate crisis. Infby comormedmunities, scientists, and activists, the CJC calls for a deep just transition—advancing systemic alternatives that address both climate and social injustices.
April 2025

Zimbabwe Friendship Bench

The Zimbabwe Friendship Bench is a grassroots mental health initiative that reimagines care delivery by training elders—“grandmothers”—to provide culturally resonant, evidence-based therapy in safe, public spaces. Born out of national trauma and a lack of mental health infrastructure, the initiative addresses depression, anxiety, and social isolation through talk therapy and peer-led support groups.
April 2025

Community Action Collab: Building Resilience in India

The Community Action Collab (CAC), formerly the COVID Action Collab, is a nationwide platform strengthening the resilience of India’s most vulnerable populations—including informal workers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and smallholder farmers—against climate, health, and economic shocks. With 368 partners, CAC reaches millions through data-driven, community-led programs that integrate social, economic, and environmental resilience.