Deep Adaptation: Navigating the Realities of Climate Chaos

by Jem Bendell

Collapse of complex systems such as human society is a chaotic process that we cannot fully understand, nor predict precisely through the scientific method.

The point can be made in terms of the concept of incongruence. It’s incongruent to calmly announce potential apocalypse and then go back to work. It undermines the seriousness of the announcement. It’s incongruent to speak of some horrendous eco-catastrophe and not get emotional – or political.

Felt deeply reflected when I read that

Resilience asks us ‘How do we keep what we really want to keep?’ Relinquishment asks us ‘What do we need to let go of in order to not make matters worse?’ Restoration asks us ‘What can we bring back to help us with the coming difficulties and tragedies?’ Reconciliation asks ‘With what and with whom can we make peace as we face our shared mortality?’

The 4 R framework