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A Dynamic Collapse Concept for Climate Change

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Steel

    (The W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics, School of Population and Public Health, 8166The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada)

  • Giulia Belotti

    (Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability, 8166The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada)

  • Ross Mittiga

    (Department of Philosophy, 27267University of Graz, Steiermark, Austria)

  • Kian Mintz-Woo

    (Philosophy and Environmental Research Institute, 8795University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Equity and Justice Research Group, 31362International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria)

Abstract

Despite growing interest in risks of societal collapse due to anthropogenic climate change, there exists no consensus about how collapse should be understood. In this article, we critically examine existing definitions and argue that none adequately address the challenges for conceptualizing collapse that climate change presents. We therefore propose an alternative conception, which regards collapse as a reduction of collective capacity resulting in a pervasive and difficult-to-reverse loss of basic functionality . Our conception is dynamic in that it focuses on the interrelations of constituent subsystems. It also distinguishes collapse from transformations needed to address climate change and provides insight into the relationship between collapse and sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Steel & Giulia Belotti & Ross Mittiga & Kian Mintz-Woo, 2024. "A Dynamic Collapse Concept for Climate Change," Environmental Values, , vol. 33(6), pages 606-625, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envval:v:33:y:2024:i:6:p:606-625
    DOI: 10.1177/09632719241255857
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