Theoretically, it is still possible that all the leaders of major governments could jointly choose to enact radical degrowth policies — but a realistic look at the world today makes it clear how unlikely that would be.

No matter how much we want it, how loudly we yell, or how hard we protest, I can’t see that happening.

So what’s the alternative?

Since I began posting regularly here at Mastodon a year and a half ago, many people have asked in comments: What can we do? What actions can we take?

My answer has always been that the most important steps you can take are personal and local. No, I don’t mean just lowering your carbon footprint, although of course that’s a good idea. I mean beginning to make the big changes now on a local level that are coming to us, sooner or later, whether we like it or not.

We must simplify. We will simplify, at some point, so why not start now? Be an example. Find others who want to change, and join with them. Build a community. Create co-ops, clothing and furniture exchanges, neighborhood gardens, seed libraries, tool libraries, and establish teaching and training sessions.

Develop systems of sharing resources — such as low-carbon transportation, small-scale solar or wind power, engineering know-how, financial assistance, medical expertise, and more. The possibilities are endless.

You can do this. We can do it. Together, we will change our world.

For those who have asked, and others who might be wondering, I've decided that I badly need a mental health break. The toll of reading and writing every day about catastrophic collapse is just too depressing. And I figure I can't do much good for anyone else if I don't take care of myself first.