Introduction

In the realm of climate crisis and existential risks, the think tanks and computer models often outline scenarios contemplating the quantitative impacts of various environmental disasters on human populations and GDP. Nonetheless, these models fall short of addressing the personal, existential consequences that individuals face in light of the climate crisis. This chapter delves into the concept of "existential crisis scenario planning," a framework that encompasses the personal and collective human dimensions beyond the mere data and figures.

The Limitations of Big-Picture Scenarios

Big-picture planning offers a sweeping outlook on the consequences of environmental catastrophes, projecting outcomes such as population displacement and economic losses. However, this approach fails to address the more intangible, personal experiences associated with crisis. The climate crisis is not just a series of data points; it's a crisis of consciousness, a personal existential emergency that challenges an individual's beliefs, hopes, and sense of responsibility.

Individual Action vs Collective Transformation

Conventional scenario planning is steeped in the idea of large-scale interventions, fixated on the assumption that global solutions involve technical fixes to environmental issues like carbon emissions. On the contrary, "existential crisis scenario planning" involves the individual's journey toward grappling with truth, hope, and the reevaluation of their place within a transforming world. It underscores the necessity of both recognizing the personal stake in the crisis and participating in a collective, systemic change.

The End of A World, Not The World

Discussions on "the end of the world" often conflate disparate scenarios of disaster into one cataclysmic event, resulting in a sense of fatalism or passive acceptance. A critical distinction must be made between the end of civilization as we know it and literal human extinction. The formulation of an "existential crisis scenario" requires acknowledging the type of ending we face while scrutinizing our influence over the ensuing choices, thus empowering planning—even for an apocalypse.

Embracing Transition and Navigating Collapse

The pathways to the future are not singular; they manifest in a spectrum ranging from minor disruptions to societal upheaval. Embracing the inevitability of change while advocating for a “better catastrophe” is essential. Depending on how society addresses the climate crisis, we might experience everything from a disruptive yet manageable decline to an unbearable collapse. The engagement in "transitional" efforts alongside the navigation through stages of "collapse" will determine our journey ahead.

From Denial to Action: The Existential Imperative

Faced with the challenge of an "existential crisis," we must acknowledge that certain forms of hope and denial serve as escapism rather than solutions. Transitioning beyond denial requires us to confront the prospective end of our civilization and furthers the dialogue from prevention to proactive adaptation. This move places emphasis on the continuous fight to survive and the ability to find meaning within the struggle, propelling the individual into conscientious engagement and interpersonal support throughout the shared calamity.

Ultimately, recognizing the complexity of existential crisis scenario planning leads to a profound understanding that addressing the climate crisis is as much about nurturing the human spirit and fostering community as it is about implementing practical measures. It's an invitation to redefine our narratives, to reclaim agency in the face of daunting circumstances, and to plant the seeds of resilience, hope, and collective endeavor.