The fact that humanity is facing extinction is not an easy sell for a conversation. But if you are paying attention you know humanity could be devasted by not just one crisis, but by a variety of threats including climate change, nuclear war, ecosystem collapses and global pandemics. Because large scale destruction is a difficult topic, we tend not to discuss it. Our existential anxiety goes underground leading to a multitude of mental health problems and can prevent us from addressing the root problems. By addressing the impact of living under existential threats, we learn coping strategies, find sources of hope, and reduce and prepare for future crises. I entreat you to take a few minutes to think about the impact of these dark clouds on the horizon. I know that doing so in researching this article, helped me to push the doom and gloom back and become more proactice in trying to make a difference.
Thanks for this, Pru. Well thought out and well written. I am a pessimist about the chances of human survival in the face of all these threats but I spend my life interacting with amazing people, helping to protect life on Earth - life other than human life. And teaching others to learn about the wonders of the Earth surrounding us. I know I am incredibly 'lucky' and have an ongoing practice of gratitude.
Thanks for this, Pru. Well thought out and well written. I am a pessimist about the chances of human survival in the face of all these threats but I spend my life interacting with amazing people, helping to protect life on Earth - life other than human life. And teaching others to learn about the wonders of the Earth surrounding us. I know I am incredibly 'lucky' and have an ongoing practice of gratitude.
Yes, getting out of bed and taking action is the way to go for us individually. and as a group.
Linda Rieger