Last updated on 2023-04-11
I am prone to think about (or fixate on) long term risks as it becomes clear to me that the Earth will warm in a non-linear fashion, that humans will not adequately address the amount of carbon put into the atmosphere, and that one or multiple feedback loops will make our familiar weather patterns less predictable and more chaotic.
There is precious little information that I have seen that points to areas of relative safety.
There are obvious areas that will be impacted by rising seas. There is the obvious observation that drought in the desert Southwest of the United States of America will likely continue longer than before, and that wildfire will be devastating to the entire Western region of that country. We can safely assume that hot areas today will become much more oppressive in the future. Et cetera. . .
What can we do to enable us to thrive in such a world?
First, make sure to live in a place with a milder climate. Maybe you can live in a coastal area where a large body of water can mitigate increased median and extreme heat. Maybe you can live at elevation to reduce extreme heat days. Maybe you can locate a local microclimate that is more resistant to fluctuations and extreme events.
Second, help make your community more resilient. Build relationships with your neighbors. Work to educate them about natural hazards likely to occur in your area. This helps build the mindset that can be more open to planning against future risks, including climate change. So many people become “preppers” and believe in the fantasy that they could survive alone in a hostile world that is ravaging civilization. This is a child’s fantasy – you are not so powerful. You will need community and cooperation when your area suffers a massive storm or earthquake or flooding. With a neighborhood group that is organized and well-prepared, you will be far likelier to survive and thrive.
Third, you can make your home more autonomous and resilient to your local risks. Is there a risk of power outages due to an increasing rate and severity of storms? Maybe you should have a rooftop solar system. Is there a risk of water shortages/ Maybe you need to store more water than people in other places. Survival comes down to oxygen, water, food and shelter. Focus on your ability to provide each of those things for you, your family and possibly others in the event of a major disruption or in a climate shift that permanently alters your environment.
For me, I am going to set up a solar power system that will be able to provide electricity in the event of a major storm or an earthquake. Since I live in coastal California, our micro-climate is mild due to the heat mitigation of the Pacific Ocean and its reliable onshore flow. The biggest risk in our area is a lack of fresh water. I am working on ways to store and collect water, and for food, I have sufficient emergency supplies to exist for a long time, but I need to work on ways to grow greens and herbs to supplement food storage.
Much of the stupid debate surrounding climate change has been on causation or global effects. While we must be aware of the global risks, many of the local effects of climate change remain unclear and less certain. What I have read, but more based on a gut feeling- I believe that a place’s existing issues will be magnified and made more severe and frequent. Think about your area’s weather issues now. Then imagine what would it be like if severe weather lasted longer and happened more frequently. What effects would that have? How could you prepare yourself to survive and live well through those things?
No one can provide these answers for you. You need to review your situation and make decisions. And remember, do not neglect building community. You cannot survive into the future alone. You will need others.
Specifics for my situation:
- I live in a milder climate than most, with good infrastructure and community
- I need to strengthen ties to community watch groups and neighbors to build awareness and to identify like-minded people in the area.
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Make home resilient by
- Installing a small solar system capable of powering (1) refrigerator, (2) a few lights and (3) charging computers, phones and internet equipment.
- Increasing water storage to at least 500 gallons, and devising water collection through rain, fog catchers and potentially run-off collection and treatment
- Increasing growing beds for greens and herbs and maintain food stores sufficient for 6 months or more
- Build a resilient cabin in the mountains for retreat with small solar, water sustainability and mild climate different than home climate