Lifting the taboo: A discussion of unfolding societal collapse

Yarbrugh Lecture

We are living in times of widening, interrelated crises – climate change, with record heat and record rainfalls in various parts of the globe; dramatic loss of biodiversity; increased poverty and social inequalities; conflicts and migrations.

We are living in times when we can no longer shy away from asking: what if the collapse of the industrial society were to happen in our lifetime?

In this lecture, we will review some difficult facts and the reasons why so many of us chose to look away. Yet we will argue that only by facing the truth of our situation can we look at adaptation and springboard towards a life sustaining society.

There is no denying the challenges in embracing the coming uncertainties and that it will call in difficult emotions. This lecture will also introduce practices, from the work of eco-philosopher and scholar Joanna Macy, to strengthen our capacity to face the crises and build our resilience.

Following the lecture there will be time for questions and discussions.