Reflecting on Life in Constant Crisis: A Rearview Mirror Perspective

In 1975, the term "permacrisis" was coined by Mark Duffield, a scholar who foresaw an extended period of instability and insecurity that has become increasingly relevant in today's world. The word was later popularized by Stephen Cohen and gained traction over the last decade, finding its place as Word of the Year 2022 by Collins Dictionary.

The term "permacrisis" encapsulates the myriad challenges we face, from the mounting death toll of the pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine, flooding in Pakistan, to inflation, carbon emissions, and warming temperatures. It is a reminder that we are at a critical point, with multiple crises converging, each head of a dragon lurking just beneath the surface.

The word "climate" can be traced back to the Greek word κλίμα- meaning "slope," used by philosophers like Parmenides to denote different zones of the globe at different latitudes. Understanding the climate has always been a philosophical endeavour, an attempt to make the unruly Earth intelligible through the measurements and equations of mankind. The term "climate crisis" reveals that this understanding is crucial in our modern world, as we grapple with the consequences of our actions on the planet.

The origins of the climate crisis are rooted in systems of extraction, colonization, and racism that created the conditions for catastrophe. This reality is evident in communities across the U.S. and around the world, where activists put their freedom on the line to stop fossil fuel development. In St. James, Louisiana, activists successfully blocked a massive petrochemical facility, preventing carbon emissions and pollution from being brought to a community already overburdened by environmental justice issues.

The California state Senate passed a bill instituting a setback between oil wells and communities, a step towards addressing the roots of the climate crisis. These actions demonstrate the need to acknowledge the historical systems that led us here and take action to forge a new path.

Amidst the chaos and destruction, there is hope. The beauty depicted in the film "Princess Mononoke" serves as a reminder of the tenderness and resilience that can exist amidst crisis. It allows us to dream of different futures and find the motivation to carry on.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, communities kept each other fed through mutual aid networks formed in the aftermath of Maria. These acts of solidarity highlight the power of community in times of crisis and offer a glimmer of hope for a more equitable and sustainable future.

As we move forward, understanding the roots of the climate crisis and the power of community in overcoming adversity will be crucial in navigating the permacrisis we face. The word "permacrisis" may signify a time of instability and insecurity, but it also presents an opportunity to reimagine our world and forge a more sustainable path.