Posts

The Relentless Advance of Dehumanization

Several years ago, I argued that dehumanization had become an unstoppable force in our societies. Since then, the trend has only accelerated, climbing ever higher on the global index of misery. In the few independent media outlets and free forums that still exist, speculation about this phenomenon continues. Yet these discussions increasingly feel like rearguard battles. More and more media are being absorbed by owners who have no regard for free speech — and sometimes not even for truth itself.

What’s stopping us from jumping to the emergency brake?  

What is striking is that nowhere – neither among politicians nor among scientists – is the emergency bell being sounded. No one is sounding the alarm. There is general astonishment about what is going on, and specialists reluctantly admit that climate change has been underestimated in many aspects, but no one is currently suggesting (or demanding) an emergency brake on fossil fuel use.

Inequality Lives in Cities: Lessons from Ancient Rome to Modern Cities

Urban inequality has long been a defining feature of human civilization, the distribution of wealth and resources within cities. Recent findings underscore the persistent nature of inequality, revealing that disparities in wealth have been intrinsic to urban life since ancient times. These insights provide valuable lessons for contemporary urban development and policy planning.

Donald Trump is not that important; this is why

Donald Trump’s extravagant policies have consequences for both the United States and the rest of the world. However, when placed in a broader context, these developments seem to be merely accelerating an already ongoing trajectory rather than creating it. Perhaps the rise of a president with his particular brand of leadership was even inevitable.

How social media prevent tipping points for positive change 

Tipping points are a frequently quoted tool for social change and climate protection among activists and supporters. The idea that it takes 25% of supporters of a plan to create change is popular. But does this conclusion hold up under the pressure of social media?

Basic standard of living for everyone no longer sustainable

To sustain even a basic standard of living for everyone, we need to dramatically change our economic systems and technologies, new research reveals.

The Great Unraveling: the world is falling apart in the polycrisis

After an addictive period of progress and as the result of several, mutually reinforcing crises, in the Great Unraveling the world is falling apart both ecologically and socially. That process now has a name: polycrisis. 

2022, the year of dehumanization

Chances are that 2022 will go down in the books as the end of European peace after WWII. It was an era of humanity. But in 2022, dehumanization set in.