Crazy Town: Episode 130. Finding Crazy Town Part 2: Simplifying Complexity
What if the greatest strength of modern civilization—its incredible complexity—is also its greatest weakness?
Society
The Tainterian dynamic and the advent of the ‘Great Simplification’ – Part Two
Investigating how and why complex societies or civilizations have risen and fallen in human history, anthropologist and historian Joseph Tainter uncovered a dynamic that can help us make sense of our present situation and future prospects.
The Tainterian dynamic and the advent of the ‘Great Simplification’ – Part One
Signs abound that global techno-industrial society is cracking at the seams under the accumulated weight of its own complexity, and that it might now be on the cusp of entering a period of ‘Great Simplification’.
The UN’s ‘Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty’ cannot survive reality
In the circumstances, humane, socially just Roadmaps that show the world community theoretical alternatives, however brilliantly conceived, are destined merely to reveal inviting roads that cannot be taken.
How to Think About the Future – Part 6: What matters most in an uncertain future?
Nate turns from describing possible futures to exploring how we can make decisions when certainty is impossible. He introduces a framework for planning under uncertainty by distinguishing between two common mistakes – failing to respond to real risks, and taking decisive action based on incomplete understanding.
Remembering Richard Heinberg: ‘Forever the empathetic observer and thinker’
A prolific writer, teacher and communicator trying to alert students, policymakers and the public to the limits to growth on a finite planet, Richard was, in my experience, also humble and a good listener, always interested in different perspectives.
Crazy Town: Bonus Episode. Remembering Richard Heinberg: The Power Podcast
The world has lost a voice of clear, truth-telling wisdom—Richard Heinberg—whose work reached millions of people and fundamentally changed the lives of thousands.
Exploring a series of surprising sustainability barriers
Fake shopping apps, anti-vaxx dating sites and business as usual through climate disasters are stark reminders of the surreal lengths we’ll go to preserve a sense of normality, and how readily corporations will profit from it.
Devastating News: The Loss of Richard Heinberg
On Sunday, July 19, we lost our kind, brilliant friend and colleague, Richard Heinberg.
Remembering Richard Heinberg: ‘Tribute to the man behind the legend’
I’ll never forget it. My family and I had just arrived in San Francisco in 2024 to begin a long tour with my podcast. I immediately reached out to Richard and was welcomed with the kindness that characterised him as much as his work.
Remembering Richard Heinberg: ‘He was a vital inspiration for so much of my life and work’
I feel so deeply grateful to have known him, and for the support and enthusiasm he showed for the Transition movement as it emerged. He was a sensitive and thoughtful man who knew that human beings could do so much better.
‘No nature poems, please’: On how we (don’t) talk about nature
It seemed an odd request for a poetry magazine. What stuck with me most, though, was the very notion of a “nature poem.” What is such a thing? How in this age of collapse and dislocation do we define it?
