This report examines the complexities of a global polycrisis, highlighting the interconnected nature of environmental, economic, and social risks. It emphasizes the urgent need for systemic risk assessment and response. Key recommendations focus on fostering public engagement, redirecting financial resources, and advancing education and research to build resilience.
The authors examine the layering and succession of social and environmental crises—including a catastrophic typhoon, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic inflation—and their impacts on food security in Capiz, Philippines. The authors investigate how these crises manifest in poor coastal communities and how vulnerable populations navigate such challenges.
The authors explore a holistic picture of a social transformation process to address the challenges of the age of polycrisis.
Towards a Sustainable Future in the Age of Polycrisis Read More »
In this handbook, Cascade Institute Polycrisis Fellow Michael Lawrence explains how to read and draw a causal loop diagrams (CLD)–a systems mapping technique that helps us to think through our mental model of a system, increase our understanding of a system, and communicate our knowledge to others. It clarifies some common sources of confusion, provides
Causal Loop Diagrams handbook Read More »
The authors argue that since 2016, the European Union (EU) has been in a state of ‘polycrisis,’ where interconnected challenges threaten its cohesion and legitimacy. They develop an analytical framework elaborating the concepts of polycrises, polycleavages, and politics traps, applying it to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They conclude that, despite
Introduction: Escaping the Politics Trap? EU Integration Pathways Beyond the Polycrisis Read More »
The authors propose a new interdisciplinary research agenda to address the challenges that earth system tipping points pose for global governance. They argue that current institutions and policy tools are inadequate for managing the rapid, non-linear, and potentially irreversible nature of tipping processes. The paper seeks to develop a governance framework specifically suited to the
Governance for Earth System Tipping Points – A Research Agenda Read More »
The report provides an in-depth analysis of the state of internal displacement worldwide, showing a 51% rise over the last five years, reaching 75.9 million people by the end of 2023. It highlights the increasing number of people displaced due to conflict, violence, and disasters, revealing how these crises are interconnected with broader social, economic,
2024 Global Report on Internal Displacement Read More »
This report examines the impact of the polycrisis on food and nutrition insecurity, particularly among vulnerable women and children. It reveals that, despite rising malnutrition, many countries successfully adapted and strengthened key systems such as food, health, and education to protect nutrition. The report highlights the role of community-based actions, digital technologies, and coordination platforms
The authors explore the resilience of food systems in six Asian countries (Bangladesh, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Pakistan, Philippines, and Sri Lanka) amidst the global polycrisis caused by COVID-19, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change. Using trend analyses of 19 indicators from global and national data sources, the study assesses four key domains of food system
Exploring Food System Resilience to the Global Polycrisis in Six Asian Countries Read More »
This report presents the outcomes of two Millennium Project Special Sessions held at the 2022 and 2023 FFRC Futures Conferences in Turku, Finland. Through participatory Futures Cliniques, the sessions explored how cities can build resilience in the face of polycrises. The report documents both the results and the methods used, offering valuable insights for students,
Flourishing Urban Futures to Overcome Polycrises – Roadmap for Resilience 2050 Read More »
