Ecological Crisis Timeline

Figure 1. Timeline of global risk

It is impossible for anyone to say, what or when catastrophes will be brought by the ecological crisis. The best predictions we have of a timeline are illustrated in Figure 1, which comes from a simple equation:

P (population) x S (services used by people) x E (energy needed to power those services) x R (resources required) = Externalities

Whilst the everyday chances of something happening is remote, everyday by doing nothing we are purchasing another lottery ticket for doomsday. The most likely occurrence would be if we remove the foundations of Maslow's hierarchy of human needs. Lack of water and food which then causes a mass migration would be the most likely tipping point. Thanks to “Just in Time” delivery, system adopted by most businesses to reduce cost, most stores keep only 3 days' worth of food on site, this is where the saying "nine meals from anarchy" comes from. Only a crisis – actual or perceived – produces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depend on the ideas that are lying around.

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Further Reading

• https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/