The concept of Deep Adaptation to impending societal breakdown due to climate disruption is spreading around the world. It was first coined in a speech by Professor Jem Bendell in December 2016, but spread rapidly since his Deep Adaptation Paper went viral. His paper has influenced climate thinkers worldwide, including Extinction Rebellion. It is recommended reading. In his lengthy post, After Climate Despair – One Tale Of What Can Emerge, Dr. Bendell reflects on his personal journey. This is an excerpt, reprinted with his kind permission.
…Come the summer of ‘17 I knew I had not given myself space to explore the “deep adaptation” agenda as much as I had wanted to. Within that, I had not developed the kind of equanimity – or peace of mind – about climate chaos that would mean I could work on it directly. I realise many other people must be in this situation.