Polycrisis

The term polycrisis, also referred to as a metacrisis or permacrisis, describes a complex situation where multiple, interconnected crises converge and amplify each other, resulting in systemic challenges that are difficult to manage or resolve. Unlike single crises, which may have clear causes and solutions, a polycrisis involves overlapping and interdependent issues, making it a more pervasive and enduring state of instability. This concept reflects growing concerns about the sustainability and viability of contemporary socio-economic, political, and ecological systems.

The concept was coined in the 1990s but became popular in the 2020s to refer to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, war, surging debt levels, inflation, climate change, resource depletion, growing inequality, artificial intelligence and synthetic biology, and democratic backsliding.

Critics of the term have characterized it as a buzzword or a distraction from more concrete causes of the crises.

Background

The idea of a polycrisis has its roots in the recognition that modern societies face not just isolated problems but a series of interconnected challenges that could lead to cascading failures. The term emphasizes the multifaceted nature of these crises, which can include economic inequality, political instability, environmental degradation, and social unrest, all reinforcing one another. The interconnectedness of these crises means that solutions in one area can often lead to unintended consequences in another, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates the overall situation.

The concept of polycrisis captures the complexity and interconnectedness of the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. It underscores the need for new ways of thinking and acting that go beyond traditional problem-solving methods. As humanity grapples with multiple, overlapping crises, the recognition of polycrisis offers both a warning and an opportunity to forge a more sustainable and resilient future.

Components

Ecological overshoot & limits to growth

Main articles: Ecological overshoot and Limits to Growth

The concept of polycrisis aligns with the warnings issued in the Limits to Growth report, which suggested that unchecked economic growth and resource consumption would eventually surpass the Earth's carrying capacity. Human ecological overshoot—using resources faster than they can be replenished—has led to environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss, which in turn threaten the stability of human societies.

Socio-political instability

Liberal democracies have increasingly faced internal contradictions, such as the tension between democratic ideals and imperialistic practices, that undermine their legitimacy. The rise of right-wing populism and the erosion of the Western social contract reflect a growing dissatisfaction with existing political and economic systems. These political shifts are often fueled by economic inequalities, perceived threats to national identity and social status, and disillusionment with traditional political elites.

Technological & economic disparities

Main article: Wealth inequality in the United States

See also: Gini coefficient

The concentration of wealth and power among a small elite, as highlighted in works like Douglas Rushkoff's Survival of the Richest, contributes to the polycrisis by exacerbating social inequalities and undermining collective action. The increasing gap between the wealthy and the rest of society raises questions about the sustainability of current economic models and the fairness of technological advancements that primarily benefit the elite.

Philosophical & existential dimensions

The polycrisis also involves a deeper, philosophical reckoning with humanity's place in the world. As articulated in Vanessa Machado de Oliveira’s Hospicing Modernity, there is a growing awareness of the limits of human control and the need to accept our ecological and biological realities. This challenges the anthropocentric and individualistic narratives that have historically underpinned Western thought.

Responses & criticism

Various scholars and thought leaders have proposed different frameworks for understanding and responding to the polycrisis. Some advocate for a radical rethinking of modernity and a transition towards more sustainable and equitable ways of living. This includes adopting ecological wisdom from Indigenous cultures, reimagining economic systems, and embracing a deeper connection with the natural world. Critics of the polycrisis narrative argue that it can lead to fatalism and inaction, suggesting instead a focus on practical, incremental changes that can build resilience and adaptability.

See also

• Anthropocene
• Dilemma
• Ecological economics
• Ecospirituality
• Ethnoecology
• Indigenous science
• Social trap
• Tragedy of the commons