Our World Is in a Multifront Crisis—It’s Time to Cultivate a Local Peace Economy
We are living in a time of global challenges, facing multiple simultaneous crises. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Risks Report describes this convergence of enormous risks as a “polycrisis.” It includes urgent issues like the cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis, which threatens biodiversity and causes environmental degradation and forced migrations.
These times can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety and depression, especially when we are bombarded with distressing news every day. Instead of succumbing to panic, we must recognize our collective power and embrace a culture rooted in care and support. It’s time to reclaim our interconnectedness with the planet and our communities and focus on what truly matters in life.
The polycrisis is a result of the war economy—a destructive and oppressive system that harms both people and the planet. Power is becoming concentrated in the hands of the wealthy elite, leading to environmental destruction and social injustice. To counter this, we must cultivate a “local peace economy.”
The local peace economy is based on a giving, thriving, and sharing economy that nurtures life. Rather than feeling helpless in the face of global challenges, we can take action locally and contribute to positive change. By engaging in small acts of kindness and cooperation within our communities, we can collectively make a significant impact.
The polycrisis we face resembles ancient legends of enormous floods—a looming threat that can overwhelm us. The peace economy acts as an “ark” to navigate through the flood, creating conditions of care and mutual support.
Moving from the war economy to the peace economy may not be comfortable, as it requires challenging our existing culture of greed and violence. Even so, the current system is failing, and we have the power to reshape it. It’s a choice between perpetuating destruction or creating a world based on care and cooperation.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the importance of community support and mutual aid. When traditional systems failed during the crisis, localized networks of care and cooperation emerged, proving the effectiveness of the local peace economy. It taught us what is truly essential and valuable—nourishing life and our communities.
We must engage with our communities, offer support, and listen to the needs of others. Mutual aid organizations and localized food supply chains exemplify the principles of the peace economy in action.
We have the opportunity to build a better world. It starts with embracing interconnectedness, cooperation, and commons within our communities. By nurturing a local peace economy, we can move toward a more compassionate and sustainable future.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
