The text discusses the themes of survival and community resilience in the face of ongoing crises, highlighted by Adam Greenfield’s book, “Lifehouse.” It reflects on the importance of mutual care and solidarity as essential elements in a world grappling with various emergencies, including climate change and social inequality. The narrative uses Hurricane Sandy as a backdrop to illustrate how grassroots efforts can be more effective than traditional disaster relief systems. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the need for individuals to actively organize and support one another, suggesting that collective action is vital for navigating future challenges.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth of affordable community shelters | Shift from individual to community care | Increased numbers of community support hubs | Need for mutual aid in crisis situations |
| Mutual aid during crises gaining popularity | Changing from dependence to self-reliance | Greater community resilience and self-organization | Disruption of centralized support systems |
| Emergence of Lifehouse as communal spaces | Transitioning from isolation to connection | Networked local resources for survival | Desire for sustainable local solutions |
| Historical examples of community self-organization | From reactive to proactive community action | Established models for local governance | Learning from past community resilience efforts |
| Emphasis on localized infrastructure | Movement from global reliance to local resources | More localized resilience strategies | Fragility of global systems in crises |