Evolution of the Polycrisis: Anthropocene Traps that Challenge Global Sustainability

In this article, the authors, inspired by the polycrisis, identify and explore potential 14 traps affecting humanity in the global human context, brought about by the trajectory of our increasing complexity and influence on the Earth system. These traps are then categorized as global, technological, or structural traps and then further assessed to produce statistical results reflecting their risk-level and their intersection with one another, revealing the systemic nature of the polycrisis. Finally, the article posits that by discussing important navigational capacities for these systemic challenges in pursuit of global sustainability, the authors introduce evolvability as a unifying concept for such research.