Ok, let’s set some boundaries. This post assumes that you are already in agreement with parts of the climate science debate, you are feeling concerned about what’s happening with our weather systems and how ultimately, this may affect your life. Predictably, it appears that both older people and those with lesser financial resources may be disproportionately affected by the impacts of these global environmental changes. 

These mounting pressures will move us around like shifting sands under our feet, it will be confusing and hard to understand why we’re experiencing economic slippages, a downward trend in our social status, financial stress and decreasing mobility and lifestyle choices. None of this will be immediate, more like a slow awakening, like a dream, because what’s taking place doesn’t seem real. If we lose focus then trouble is not very far away. Those who find themselves on the front line will be displaced from their homes or communities, and face disruption of essential services, including the loss of income due to the overall economic disruption occurring around them.

Much of this disruption will depend on your location and by default, where you live. Although it’s difficult to predict which areas of the world will be more stable in the future there are some factors that contribute to a better chance of finding stability.

Let’s break some of that down here;

PLACE

If you’re currently living closer to the equator this will tend to create more stable overall weather conditions and make daily life easier over time. And, if higher altitudes are your thing then moving to higher mountainous regions could provide some protection from extreme weather such as floods and/or hurricanes.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Access to natural resources will be critical: regions with abundant fresh water, fertile soil and forests can make adaption far easier. Locations that have well-developed infrastructure in place such as roads, bridges and buildings with potentially vacant space can help communities pull together in times of strife.

POLITICAL

Political stability will be critical if a shared focus on effective programs and policies to counter climate chaos can be effectively implemented.

Cities towns and countries where strong social cohesion exists will be important. Places with strong social bonds and a sense of shared purpose may adapt far better to any rising difficulties.

PERSONAL

Stay informed: with predicted mass movements of people occurring, keeping up to date with developments in your community and beyond is essential. Political threats or challenges may arise unexpectedly from either internal or external sources.

Build a network of support: establish relationships with people you trust who will provide support if you need it.

Build your resources: consider ways to increase your financial stability, build up a diverse set of skills and look for additional ways to diversify income

Stay flexible: be ready to adjust to changing circumstances and have an open mind towards exploring new opportunities and options as they arise.

If you’re retired and have lived a reasonably long life you will know or at least have a sense that anything and everything can arise from our minds and of course, this can be either good news or bad news depending on how you look at it. If we lack the requisite skill to understand how this mind of ours works to produce our reality then we are at the whim of any external disruptions which can adversely affect our happiness, the places we want to go and how best we can serve ourselves to get there can be quickly derailed. 

“I am malicious because I am miserable” – Mary Shelley

Every day we hold onto many things that give us hope, we believe they will create safety in our lives but at the same time, we’re afraid of losing them. If we’re honest, most of us are prepared to do anything to hold onto them. Emptiness can become a frightening reality to deal with if we come unprepared, but it’s also an opportunity when we take on the right view. Perhaps our best strategy is to have a good heart, for only good hearts can, in the end, make the world a better place.