So you want to flee the climate crisis. Now what?

Do we stay and build resilience where we are? Or do we go somewhere else, that may or may not end up facing similar extractive greed in the future?

Dec 2, 2024 - 15:54

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So you want to flee the climate crisis. Now what?

I never set out to be one of those privileged folks who tried to outrun the climate crisis. Mostly, because you just can't.

I figured we’d settle into a nice place and fight the good fight against the ever-encroaching climate crisis, fascist upswell, and general calamity of late-stage capitalism.

But I got spooked.

The proposed Lebanon LEAP pipeline (that's more of an inevitability than anything, since we all know a state does whatever it wants to extract more profit from its citizens) is coming to pull tens to hundreds of millions of gallons away from our aquifer daily just a few miles away from my house.

What was once a small house meant to become climate resilient for the foreseeable future now seems like an immense liability. Our well and small creek are now threatened by the capitalist nightmare more directly than ever. The surrounding community is not necessarily who I want to pitch in with in the worst of times.

So what happens now?

Do we stay and build resilience where we are? Or do we go somewhere else, that may or may not end up facing similar extractive greed in the future?

The impulse — like many of us privileged folks have — is to move. Run from the worsening weather. Go toward bluer pastures to avoid shitty governments.

But it doesn’t work like that. There is no true safety now.

I’ve come to realize our best option is to stay where we are — with community and connections we’ve already built — and settle in for a long, hard fight.

I propose to you fearful folks like me: stop thinking about where to run. Instead, start thinking about how we best foster skilled, connected communities in an increasingly fractured world.

So if you’re like me… Someone who feels like maybe they're the weird ones for being concerned about the ever-accelerating climate crisis. Who wonders what their homes and communities will look like in just 5-10 years. Who considers making a move without a massive amount of resources to make it easy.

You're not alone! The world is growing ever-weirder but we're going to figure it out as best we can.

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*Let me just say that Dinah has lost her ever-loving mind if she thinks anywhere in Florida is a good bet.*

What areas will be least affected by climate change?

As I said above: there’s really no way to outrun climate change. I’m betting even the world’s wealthiest will at some point come up against a wall they can’t surmount with cash.

So despite a plethora of articles assuring you there are places that will help you survive the end times (assuming, of course, you can afford to buy a house there and have some protection of not possessing any visible marginalized identities…) the sad truth is that the climate crisis is coming for all of us.

Sure, you could probably consider leaving Florida a good bet.

And if your home is in a historic floodplain, maybe leave while the leaving is still possible.

And, uh, Phoenix. Maybe just GTFO.

If you really must see some mainstream media coverage struggling to tackle the issue, here’s a Times article. TL;DR: like you’ve already been hearing, it’s probably the Great Lakes as best we can guess.

But for most of us living in a relatively stable location with ever-increasing climate instability probably won’t make any huge gains by leaving where we are — surrounded by what we know, people we love (or tolerate).

So in light of that, it can’t be all doom and gloom…

You can’t run, but you can prepare

I’m not going to cite statistics or plaster seemingly statistically-impossible graphs all over this piece. If you’re paying attention, you know it’s bad. For me personally, the details only increase hopelessness and paralysis.

I know it’s bad. Action needs to happen. Doomscrolling to mainline bad news doesn't mesh with action.

So despite multiple late-night “should we stay or go?” conversations about our imperfect location, I can’t help but stubbornly, doggedly continue to build community.

For someone who doesn’t like people much, it’s my most toxic trait.

Yup, even though we're actively searching out a place with a more secure water supply for the long haul, I'm still trying to build food security in my little Indiana community.

Because honestly... if I'm not actively trying to grow things, I feel like I'm conceding. Growing food and beautiful plants is the most effective way I can give a massive fuck you to the chaotic, criminally negligent systems that are accelerating the climate crisis.

Interconnectedness, care, & deep roots are key for resilient, crisis-weathering communities.

Here are a few ideas I have for facilitating a resilient community around you ⬇️

4 ways to build resilient communities*

*even when it feels like the world as we know it is on its last legs

Start or collaborate on a very visible garden. Food is simply the easiest way to engage with people. I chat gardens with my anarchist friends and far-right conspiracist neighbors. Everyone knows our system is fucked and everyone loves a locally-grown meal. Tear up your yards or reach out to folks with more space than you — whichever way you go, make it highly visible. Fresh food and a conversation starter about food security! (This is also part 7 of my book.)
Build a little free pantry. Share your extras. Wealth redistribution isn't just for the ultra-wealthy. Share your extras — food, hygiene items, art supplies, etc. — with your community through a little free pantry. (The link will take you to a first iteration of my own little free pantry. I later added a fridge, too.)
Whatever you do to prepare, do extra for someone else. If you grab a big bag of rice, grab another to feed some friends when money's tight. If you're buying some N95 masks for your family, get a bigger pack so you can share with your neighbors on a smoky day. Your funds may be tight, but always be thinking about how you might be able to do just a little bit extra for those around you in harder times. Listen to my podcast episode about prepping from a leftist perspective!
Host a party. Seriously. Community resilience is in large part a factor of how interconnected it is. Of course, having resources is also critical but there's nothing like having comrades in the end times. Do like we did and stuff some invitations into your neighbor's mailboxes for a drink/snack hour. Get to know those around you!

???? Also: 5 eco-friendly community action projects to inspire you

That's that. There are, of course, endless ways to build resilience on many different levels. If you're reading this and have tried something you've really enjoyed, I'd love to hear more about it.

Be well, friends.

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