Facing Global Crises: A Call to Action

Are you aware that humanity has never encountered such a level of global crisis and uncertainty before?

The pandemic cycle has recurred over and over again. The climate and environmental crisis has now turned into an existential problem. There are unending economic crises. Technologies are developing and changing. There are also social ruptures. On top of that, problems like hunger, basic human rights, freedom, equality, and education are worsening. These issues are deepening in different geographies of the world.

We are leaving behind a difficult year. As we prepare to enter a new year, some fundamental questions still remain unanswered:

The pandemic was the golden hit of this last period. Global economic crises can no longer be resolved with existing doctrines. The economic uncertainty that emerged with the effect of the pandemic shook the whole world deeply. And it continues to shake. As the pandemic turns into a permanent cycle, the economy is seeking a new balance in a different world order.

But the basic question is: Despite all this economic power and advanced technology, why is humanity unable to solve the coronavirus issue? Why is it not effectively addressed? Are we getting better or getting worse? Or is this our new normal, rather than good or bad?

_{^{Climate change denial!}}

What about the climate crisis? It is now clear that this is not something that can be ignored or denied.

The economic impact alone is staggering. In the coming period, climate change will have a more severe impact. Its economic toll will be the most expensive in history. At the end of the Second World War, about 40% of the world’s GDP was spent on repairing war damage. The figure calculated for the economic dimension of the effects of climate change is 60% of the global GDP by 2050!

The effects of climate change could be much worse than we think. Nearly 600 major coastal cities could be under water by 2050 due to rising seas. This could create 360 ​​million to 1 billion eco-refugees. Production of basic foods such as rice, wheat and potatoes may decrease by 25%. The global insurance market might collapse completely due to climate disasters. This market has a size of 6 trillion dollars a year.

This reluctance to fight climate change is incomprehensible. It actually increases the human and economic dimension of the issue each day. This makes it far from being manageable. So what is the fundamental denial on which this general indifference is based? How can humanity stay so carefree and relaxed about this?

_{^{Hope in new generations!}}

Of course, the situation is not heartwarming for those who have lived with awareness for a long time in this mess. But there is hope. The approach of new generations to these issues will be much more effective and decisive.

Those who witnessed their parents’ experiences during the pandemic crisis now seem to question societal values. They challenge the principles regarding the individual and the economy that were taught or imposed on them.

We need to closely follow several topics. These include blockchain, digital currencies, and globalization. Technology and new working models are also important. Additionally, the rise of the Asia-Pacific region should be monitored. We must also consider social and individual breakdowns. Finally, a differentiating view of life is essential.

How will all these affect and change social, social and economic teachings and practices in the coming period?

Briefly, humanity is passing an important test in many respects. This is a period of perhaps the greatest global crisis. There is also vast uncertainty in history. Some fundamental and vital questions will need to be answered.

_{^{“Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Sir Winston Churchill}}

This bundle of crises can also open a window of opportunity. It allows all humanity to solve the deepening problems of the world.

All the topics we talked about may create an infrastructure. These include changing life practices, working models, technology, global crisis, and new economic doctrines after the pandemic. This infrastructure will trigger the transformation.

Thus, in the next 20-30 years, all economic and political practices may be destined to change and transform. It may generally be accepted that the first and primary business of the economy is not only profit and income. It is also about providing long-term benefits and value to all stakeholders. Issues related to climate change, the environment and sustainability can be prioritized. The whole model can work for people to live better, healthier and happier lives.

For the first time in history, economic purpose might align with a sustainable healthy future for humanity. This change benefits both people and the planet. future for humanity and the planet.

This is my personal wish and hope for the new year! For all of us and our children…

Happy Sustainable New Year!

---

Book: The Rise of Technosocialism: How Inequality, AI and Climate will Usher in a New World by King, Brett; Petty, Dr. Richard