Note: The following is a chapter I was asked to write for an upcoming book being put out by the Postcarbon Institute that will feature a large number of author’s contributions including Richard Heinberg, Rob Hopkins, Bill McKibben and many other notables.
I have an agreement with them regarding public distribution of this material prior to the book release so I ask that you not copy, paste and distribute this electronically. You may print it out and share with whomever you like.
It can feel pretty personally overwhelming to learn about all the economic, environmental and energy challenges in store for us for the rest of this century. There’s plenty of work to be done by governments and businesses, sure—but what about preparing yourself and your family for this quickly changing world? The choices seem overwhelming. Where does one begin?
Six years ago, I began to address these questions for myself and my family. I’ll be honest; my first motivation came from a place of fear and worry. I worried that I could not predict when and where an economic collapse might begin. I fretted that the pace of the change would overwhelm the ability of our key social institutions and support systems to adapt and provide. I darkly imagined what might happen if a Katrina-sized financial storm swept through the banking system. I was caught up in fear.
But I am no longer in that frame of mind. Here, six years later, I am in a state of acceptance about what the future might bring (although I am concerned), and I have made it my life’s work to help others achieve a similar measure of peace. While I am quite uncertain about what might unfold and when, I am positive that anyone can undertake some basic preparations relatively cheaply, and will feel better for having done so.
I am passionately interested in helping others to gracefully adapt their lifestyles and adjust their expectations to a very different looking sort of future. I have no interest in scaring you further, or having you approach the future with trepidation, anxiety or fear. Quite the opposite. I want to let you know that adjusting and adapting can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling journeys you could undertake. It has been so for our family.
by guardia 
