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Complexity-Congruent Research: Methods and Methodology. In: Global Crises

This chapter examines ‘restricted complexity’ research approaches and their effectiveness in addressing global polycrisis. It explores the potential of ‘complexity-congruent’ designs, which incorporate key traits such as temporal dynamics, multi-level scaling, and participatory methods. The chapter outlines a three-pronged framework: employing complexity-congruent methods, identifying time–space leverage points for intervention, and constructing scenarios of ‘boundary objects’ […]

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A Climate of Truth

Mike Berners-Lee explores the concept of Polycrisis and examines why, despite decades of clear scientific evidence and technically feasible solutions, humanity continues to fall short in responding effectively to these crises. Through a critical examination of structural, political, and economic forces, the author seeks to uncover what is preventing meaningful action and what can be

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Unraveling the Polycrisis with Foresight and Innovation

This publication introduces the EU Policy Lab’s new Polycrisis Exploration Tool, an adaptable tool for foresight and holistic risk management. Grounded in Wendy Schultz’s Manoa methodology, it uses a participatory and structured approach to explore multiple future wheels, examining how interconnected risks might materialize simultaneously. Drawing on 40 risks identified in the Risks on the

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The Social Pathology of Polycrisis

Stephen J. Purdey explores how the polycrisis has emerged as a growing threat despite humanity’s shared desire for safety and prosperity. He argues that its material dimensions are rooted in and legitimized by an underlying belief system. Key elements of this system include an exaggerated sense of human exceptionalism, an anthropocentric worldview, and a licentious

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What Comes After the Polycrisis?

In this article, Erik Assadourian explores how interventions during the polycrisis can be designed to be most effective in fostering a better post-polycrisis future, while also strengthening society’s ability to respond in the present. He argues that while collapse may be increasingly likely, societies still have opportunities to shape what comes after. Assadourian emphasizes the

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Revolution in an Age of Polycrisis

The authors explore the intersection of revolutionary theory and emerging polycrisis discourses, examining how various international and national factors become intertwined, creating polycrisis events that can lead to revolutionary moments. These revolutionary moments can, in turn, exacerbate stresses that contribute to systemic dysfunction elsewhere, due to the entanglement of global systems. Through case studies of

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Launch of the Polycrisis & Policy Brief Series

In this webinar, the PolyCIVIS initiative launches the first two papers of its Policy Brief Series (“From Polycrisis to Polysolutions” and “Humanitarian Aid in the Polycrisis”), which aim to inform and shape global discourse on the complex and interconnected nature of today’s polycrisis. The session explores the definition of polycrisis, highlighting its transboundary effects, multi-causality,

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Extinction of the human species: What could cause it and how likely is it to occur?

The author explores the growing body of scientific and scholarly work on human extinction and existential risks, focusing on the question: “What could kill everyone, and how likely is it to happen?” This review provides an overview of plausible causes of human extinction identified in current academic literature, includes expert judgments on their likelihood, and

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What is this era of calamity we’re in? Some say ‘polycrisis’ captures it

This article examines the concept of polycrisis, explaining how interconnected crises heighten global instability. It highlights the Cascade Institute’s efforts to identify high-leverage intervention points — strategic areas where targeted actions can drive meaningful change. Emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaboration, the article explores how understanding these overlapping crises not only clarifies the complexity of our current moment

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Communicating a World-in-Crisis

This book explores innovative ways in which different media, communicative fields, and creative practices are making a difference in a world increasingly defined by systemic, deepening, and compounding crises. It examines how these practices can contribute positively to a broader understanding of our planetary predicament and promote the cultural flourishing of new ideas and regenerative

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