Looking at human response to our self-inflicted crises - as if it's an addict-in-denial

“In the world of Terra, the society was deeply divided and tumultuous. This period was marked by a stark contrast between the growing awareness of environmental degradation and the stubborn denial of the same.

Let's try to describe it as if we are looking at an addict. Addicted to perpetual growth. Addicted to infinite energy consumption.

In Denial (Stage 1):

- Propaganda and Misinformation: Influential groups and leaders who benefited from the status quo spread propaganda, denying the environmental crisis. Misinformation campaigns were rampant, painting any talk of environmental damage as exaggerated or false.

- Polarization: Society was sharply divided. On one side were those who profited from or were dependent on the current growth and energy models, and on the other, those who were directly affected by environmental degradation.

- Hostility Towards Environmentalists: Environmental activists were often vilified, portrayed as enemies of progress and prosperity. They faced harassment both online and in real life.

- Economic Prioritization: Economic growth was prioritized over environmental concerns. Policies that could hamper industrial or economic progress, regardless of their environmental benefits, were aggressively opposed.

- Cognitive Dissonance: Many citizens experienced cognitive dissonance, recognizing the worsening environmental conditions but refusing to acknowledge their causes or the need for change.

In Realization/Awareness (Stage 2):

- Rising Consciousness: A growing segment of the population began acknowledging the environmental crisis. The evidence was becoming too overwhelming to ignore – extreme weather events, declining health due to pollution, and visible environmental destruction.

- Social Media Wars: The battleground for these conflicting viewpoints was often social media, where debates turned into vicious, polarized arguments. Each side accused the other of ignorance, malice, or conspiracy, often devolving into personal attacks.

- Activism and Counter-Movements: Environmental activism grew, with marches, demonstrations, and online campaigns. In response, counter-movements emerged, organizing rallies and online campaigns to denounce these activities as harmful to economic stability.

- Scientific Debate in the Public Arena: Scientific findings became politicized. Research supporting the existence of environmental issues was contested by those in denial, leading to public confusion and distrust in science.

- Governmental Inaction and Manipulation: Governments, influenced by powerful industrial lobbies, often remained inactive or even obstructive. Environmental policies were stalled, watered down, or twisted to suit industrial interests.

During this period, Terra was a world in turmoil, with its people deeply divided. The struggle was not just about environmental issues but also about economic interests, cultural values, and the very perception of reality. The tension permeated all aspects of life – from politics and economics to social interactions and personal belief systems. The battles fought on social media and in public spaces were not just for policies or opinions but for the future direction of the civilization itself.

Looking at the state of our #society right now, looking at the state of global #climate & #pollution, looking at how discussions derail completely, I tried - using ChatGPT4 as a discussion partner basically - looking at society as a person with a severe #addiction. Addicted to #growth.? And then I focussed on the initial stages - #Denial and #Awareness - because that is “just” where we are, unfortunately, in most cases. Yes, there is a group much further down the road, but they are a far cry for most. In a follow-up story I will try to picture ways out. Which I believe depend on is working together. It starts with Stage 3 - Ambivalence, then on to Contemplation and Preparation. A true crisis may then catalyse the concerted action we need.

I think the comparison is really compelling, and describes for me what I see. And I like the final story