Op-Ed Commentary Archives

Tackling the Complex Links Between Climate Change, Conflict, and Health

The authors underscore the urgent need to address the interconnected threats of climate change, conflict, and health. They highlight how these threats not only cause direct harm, such as heat-related deaths and conflict-driven mortality, but also compound vulnerabilities by damaging health systems, disrupting essential services, and fueling cycles of instability. Fragile and conflict-affected states are […]

Tackling the Complex Links Between Climate Change, Conflict, and Health Read More »

Turning Polycrisis into Polytunity

In this UNDP expert commentary, Yuen Yuen Ang argues that the convergence of global disruptions should be viewed not only as a period of crisis but also as an opportunity for systemic transformation. She introduces the concept of “polytunity” and proposes an Adaptive, Inclusive, and Moral (AIM) political economy as an alternative framework for addressing

Turning Polycrisis into Polytunity Read More »

Mapping an Ecology of Integrative Approaches to Addressing the Metacrisis

This paper presents a systematic mapping of integrative responses to the metacrisis, understood as a complex web of interconnected global crises spanning ecological, epistemic, ethical, and existential domains. Using a metatheoretical methodology, the authors identify and compare a broad range of emerging integrative approaches. They argue that frameworks such as metamodernism, integral theory, Game B,

Mapping an Ecology of Integrative Approaches to Addressing the Metacrisis Read More »

We’re in a polycrisis. Philanthropy should adopt a systems-focused approach.

The author discusses the interconnected nature of current global challenges, emphasizing the substantial impact of locally-led, systems-focused approaches in addressing multidimensional issues. He highlights the importance of early-stage local organizations’ firsthand knowledge of their communities, systems mindset, agility, adaptability, and collaborative strategies.

We’re in a polycrisis. Philanthropy should adopt a systems-focused approach. Read More »

We live in times of multiple entwined crises – but our policy responses aren’t keeping up

The authors discuss the inadequacy of current policies in addressing interconnected crises like biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Drawing on two IPBES assessment reports, they argue that while these reports offer effective policy options for transformative change, progress in implementing these solutions remains insufficient.

We live in times of multiple entwined crises – but our policy responses aren’t keeping up Read More »

Why Biden failed

Nate Silver reflects on Joe Biden’s presidency, attributing its challenges to strategic missteps and the difficulty of managing a polycrisis—interconnected issues like the COVID pandemic, inflation, and climate change. He argues that overpromising solutions without clear prioritization shaped Biden’s presidency and paved the way for Donald Trump’s return to power.

Why Biden failed Read More »

The Need for Global Social Epidemiology in the Polycrisis era

This commentary advocates for the creation of global social epidemiology (GSE)—a new and potentially more effective approach to address the challenges of the current polycrisis era.

The Need for Global Social Epidemiology in the Polycrisis era Read More »

From polycrisis to metacrisis: harnessing windows of opportunity for renewed political leadership in global health diplomacy

This commentary presents key insights from the conference on “International Politics, Leadership and Diplomacy for Health” held in Stockholm, Sweden in November 2023. It highlights the need to seize opportunities and reshape global health leadership in an era marked by multifaceted and interrelated crises.

From polycrisis to metacrisis: harnessing windows of opportunity for renewed political leadership in global health diplomacy Read More »

Understanding the Climate Crisis in an Era of Polycrisis

The author examines the climate crisis through the lens of polycrisis, highlighting how climate change exacerbates environmental degradation and intensifies interconnected crises such as infrastructure failures, biodiversity loss, pandemics, supply chain disruptions, and civil unrest. He underscores the need for comprehensive, systemic responses to effectively manage these challenges.

Understanding the Climate Crisis in an Era of Polycrisis Read More »