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The apocalypse: It’s not the end of the world

By Jamais Cascio | October 31, 2019

A large wave at Banzai Pipeline of the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii

Humanity is facing multiple possible apocalypses, with narratives that often miss an important point: The apocalypse probably won’t be quick or final. It will be an environment, not an event or an end point for humanity. The apocalypse is more likely to bring misery than catharsis or salvation. Although worst-case scenarios theoretically make it easier to prevent dire outcomes, in the case of slow-moving apocalypses such as climate change, it’s difficult for humans to envision the scale of the problem and to imagine how we will actually experience it. Free-access until January 1, 2020.

The apocalypse probably won’t be quick or final. It will be an environment of misery, not an event or an end point.

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