Change Oracle’s Polycrisis Project is a transdisciplinary analysis that examines the interconnected economic, political, social, environmental, and technological factors underlying our current crises. It focuses on the barriers to effective action and reviews possible solutions.
ARTICLES
The Iran War as a Polycrisis Case Study
- The Iran War as a Polycrisis Case Study
- The Anatomy of the War in Iran Through a Systems Thinking Lens
- How the Global Polycrisis Caused a Regional War
- How the Cascade of Damaging Consequences from the War in Iran is Exacerbating the Global Polycrisis
- The Cascade of Polycrisis Feedback Loops Set in Motion by the War in Iran
- Seven Lessons from the War in Iran
- Engines of Instability: The Feedback Loops Driving the Polycrisis
- The Carbon Shackle
In this special edition podcast, Change Oracle’s Richard Matthews discusses the polycrisis concept with Tom Schuneman, the owner of the Planet Watch Group. Citing the rise of authoritarianism, they explain how the myriad problems we face are all interrelated. They also explore the preoccupation with growth as both a cause of the polycrisis and a salient reason why we have failed to address the pressing constellation of problems we face.
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In this special edition podcast, Tom Schuneman and Richard Matthews examine how the flawed assumptions of a broken system are preventing us from acting on the polycrisis. They discuss how feedback loops create vicious cycles and why policymakers struggle to make data intelligible. They also explore how the fossil fuel industry uses disinformation to manipulate these structural weaknesses.
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Polycrisis and the Rise of Authoritarianism
“Polycrisis” is a term that helps us to understand the complex interplay of economic, social, environmental, technological, and political factors. The rise of authoritarianism illustrates the ways these factors dynamically interact. Globalization and the information technology revolution have reshaped societal norms, eroded traditional communities, and triggered an identity crisis. This upheaval has caused dislocation and fueled anti-immigration sentiments and cultural conflicts that challenge the power of urban elites.
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The Interconnectedness of the Polycrisis: Three Current Examples
Crises are entangled, and they combine to create a cascade of negative interrelated impacts. Crises are locked in vicious feedback loops where each exacerbates the other in a downward spiral. This interconnectedness is referred to as a polycrisis, and the concept is illustrated by the interacting dynamics of war, inequality, and biophysical threats. War has adverse consequences far removed from the conflict zone. The intersectionality of burgeoning global inequality also has extensive, far-reaching compound effects as do biophysical threats. Understanding how the interrelationships within and between crises combine to amplify destructive impacts offers invaluable insights with significant implications for our efforts to comprehensively address the most serious contemporary issues.
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Economic Incentives and the Polycrisis
Powerful financial inducements are driving the growth of sustainability, but are positive economic incentives able to tackle the complexities of the polycrisis? Market incentives and sustainable investment opportunities may be expanding, but they have proven to be woefully insufficient. As we consider how to move forward, we need to come to terms with the reality that inducements alone will not bring about the radical change we need to see.
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Psychological Barriers Preventing Us from Addressing the Global Polycrisis
Why aren’t we acting on the global polycrisis? Despite all the evidence, we have yet to fully commit to sustainability. Psychological barriers make us prone to misinformation and keep us from responding at a scale commensurate with the challenges we face. To address issues like the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and social upheaval, we need to rethink how we see the world, and we need to free our minds of the barriers to change.
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Growth as the Cause of the Global Polycrisis: An Obsession that is Destroying Us from Within
Is our relentless pursuit of economic growth leading us to environmental collapse, social inequality, and economic instability? The belief in infinite growth on a finite planet is a dangerous illusion—one that is unraveling ecosystems, deepening inequality, and fueling crises worldwide. “Economic Growth is an Unsustainable Monster that is Devouring Us from Within” by Change Oracle explores the myths of growthism, the fallacy of the Kuznets Curve, and the hidden costs of our obsession with GDP. Can we break free from the growth-at-all-costs mindset before it’s too late?
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Fossil Fuels as the Cause of the Global Polycrisis
The fossil fuel industry is the driving force behind the climate crisis—and the biggest obstacle to solving it. From political corruption and relentless lobbying to greenwashing and blocking climate action, Big Oil keeps us hooked while ramping up production. Breaking free from our dependence on fossil fuels is the only way to avert planetary disaster.
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We’ve crossed critical planetary boundaries, CO₂ is at record highs, and climate tipping points are closer than ever. Scientists warn we’re entering a dangerous polycrisis—where climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and ecosystem collapse converge. The window to act is rapidly closing. The planet is on the brink.
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Feedback Loops and the Polycrisis: Interconnected Systems From Doom Loops to Virtuous Cycles
Hidden feedback loops are turning climate change, economic instability, and political conflict into a cascading global crisis. This isn’t a series of separate problems—it’s one interconnected breakdown, where self-reinforcing dynamics across ecology, economics, and politics are accelerating instability. Why do crises keep getting worse? The answer lies in these powerful feedback loops driving the polycrisis. Understand the system behind the chaos.
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Richard Matthews is a writer, researcher, journalist, consultant, and change activist. He has published thousands of articles and contributed to reports for policymakers including a United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) publication. His critical, interdisciplinary analyses have been cited by a wide array of, academic publications. His research interests include carbon removal, nuclear power, and disinformation. He is currently spearheading Change Oracle’s Polycrisis Project (COPP).