The third blog in a series of 13 sharing art, articles, and abstract ideas that spark a contagious conversation.
A time of intense difficulty, heightened danger, or prolonged trouble- these are just a few indicators of a crisis. Right now, we are enduring not one, but two generation defining crises. Climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic will transform society as we know it. But what exactly is a crisis? How is it different from a disaster, an emergency, or a dark period?
The term crisis comes from the Latinized form of the Greek word krisis, meaning “turning point in a disease.” At such a moment, the person with the disease could get better or worse: it’s a critical moment. It is the fork in the road, a decisive point or situation; a turning point. Both climate change and COVID-19 were made worse by early inaction. They became crises because leaders ignored that warning signs, refused proactive measures, and denied expert guidance. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez explained how the result of early inaction in regards to COVID-19 likely parallels the results of our climate crisis inaction.
A crisis is any event that is going to lead to an unstable and dangerous situation affecting an individual, group, community, or whole society. Clearly, both of these sicknesses fit this criteria. Both of these sicknesses bring with them prolonged periods of uncertainty, they demand a complete transformation of norms, and they require quick dramatic action. It is because of these factors that COVID-19 and climate change are not simply emergencies or disasters. Let me know in the comments if you agree. Tell me how you define crisis, and if these sicknesses count.
For more information on what qualifies as a crisis, listen to Disasterology (DISASTERS) with Dr. Samantha Montano on the Ologies podcast at https://www.alieward.com/ologies/disasterology?rq=disasterology Check back on the blog next week for more COVID-19 and climate change updates.
Written by Tatum Eames, Western Washington University senior and Climate Justice Now intern.