I'm fairly convinced that the status quo can do nothing to prevent the collapse of complex industrial society. Obviously it's a complicated topic, but if you assume the position that by 2030 there will be dramatic, uncontrollable warming of the planet (and all of the side effects that will bring), what is to be done to prevent that?

As a guy with a decent work-from-home kind of job (for now) and enough resources to be comfortable, it's been incredibly tempting during quarantine to think about building a house off the grid, finding a stable source of drinking water, and building a sustainable farming homestead in rural America. 2020 has demonstrated that things don't always just work out. I'm worried about the precarious material conditions that pervade contemporary urban culture (at least from the perspective of sustainability if food/water/power systems are interrupted). And I know I could develop the skills I need to live like that.

But obviously, something can be done to prevent a collapse. We could work together to ensure the stability of urban environments, and produce all of the energy and matetials we need here, locally. We could put everyone to work with this goal in mind. We could build a better world collectively.

But how? How do I find a group of people to work with? How do I convince the liberals who just shrug and say, man, isn't it just terrible that trump is in charge? How do I find anyone who's thinking about this shit, and realizes that actually yes, this can all fall apart. Things are not as stable as they seem. Climate change is literally the only issue that matters in any time frame beyond 10 years.

What is next? What is there to do?

  • Gorn [they/them,he/him]
    ·
    4 years ago

    I give you full permission hahaha, print away. Or write the parts you like by hand, that always means a lot to me and helps me remember :P The Complex Systems Perspective is a really healing and empowering way to see the world. Suddenly you're not clouded by all the consumerist, capitalist-realist guilt, and you can just see yourself for what you are; an equal member in a massive system that needs to change.

    Oh, also you can 'save' posts/comments. Click the ... under a post and there's a star there ;) I do that sometimes for things that make me feel really good that I want revisit sometime

    Anyway, much love, comrade. I'm really glad we have a chance to meet and talk about these big things :af-heart: