The World Economic Forum (WEF) describes the current global context as a “polycrisis,” which refers to the simultaneous occurrence of multiple, interconnected, and intensifying crises across multiple domains, including the global economy, public health, environment, and politics.

Being a futurist involves considering the future implications of current trends and events, and the polycrisis represents a major challenge and opportunity for futurists. Futurists can play a crucial role in helping society to understand and respond to the polycrisis by exploring scenarios, considering the long-term implications of current trends and events, and developing strategies for a more resilient and sustainable future.

The polycrisis is important for futurists because it highlights the complex and interconnected nature of global challenges, and the need for integrated and proactive approaches to address these challenges. It also underscores the importance of considering multiple perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches, as the polycrisis requires a coordinated response from governments, businesses, and civil society.

In this context, futurists can help to:

1. Develop scenarios: Futurists can create different scenarios for the future, considering the potential impact of the polycrisis on different areas of society and the world.
2. Identify trends: Futurists can analyze current trends and identify key drivers of change that are likely to shape the future.
3. Encourage collaboration: Futurists can facilitate collaboration between different stakeholders, encouraging cross-disciplinary discussions and fostering a more integrated response to the polycrisis.
4. Foster resilience: Futurists can help organizations and communities to build resilience by considering potential future challenges and developing contingency plans to respond to these challenges.

Overall, the polycrisis represents a major challenge and opportunity for futurists, who can play a crucial role in helping society to understand and respond to this complex and rapidly evolving situation. By exploring scenarios, identifying trends, encouraging collaboration, and fostering resilience, futurists can help to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

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