An honest analysis of the likely future trajectories of civilization and its relation to the biosphere suggest that humanity is hurling—with only slightly awakened eyes—toward several simultaneous natural and political/economical crises. It is probable that none of the oft-advocated saviors to the human dilemma—namely technology, capitalism, the demographic transition and the evolution of consciousness—will deliver us from our troubles. The first three are exacerbating our predicament, and the last remains far too muted relative to the magnitude of our problems. More likely, we will continue down a path of widening bifurcation, where humans will further differentiate themselves, culturally, materially and even biologically. This presentation is designed to picture in the manner of a collage the diverse worlds emerging on this planet as the millennia-old experiments of East (inner) and West (outer) begin their dance toward resolution.

PRODUCER: Carleton Schade

For the past several years, Carleton Schade has been researching and writing a book entitled Dieback: The Science and Soul of the Coming Collapse, and has been speaking on the topic at a number of venues. Last year, the academic journal Environment, Development and Sustainability published his paper Population crash: prospects for famine in the 21st century, within which it is argued that one to four billion people will die of starvation by mid-century. Carleton was trained as a geologist, fiction writer and educator. He has found passion in traveling, politics and writing fiction; comfort and love as a householder; and peace through meditation and yoga.