Is Preparing for Doomsday Logical or Pointless?

Preparing for a potential world-ending scenario, or doomsday, is a complex and often polarizing topic. While some argue that such preparation is logically necessary, others hold that it is pointless unless one possesses immense wealth and resources. This article will explore the validity of doomsday preparations by examining specific scenarios such as natural disasters, the potential for electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), and climate collapse.

Preparing for Natural Disasters

One of the most compelling arguments for preparing for doomsday comes from personal and professional disaster experiences. As a Red Cross disaster volunteer for 15 years, the inevitability of a future disaster becomes painfully clear. The focus, however, should not be on preparing for a foreseeable apocalypse but on immediate and longer-term disasters. For instance, it is logical to prepare for a major earthquake in regions known to be at risk.

California, for one, is due for a significant earthquake. The 2023 report from the California Earthquake Authority estimates a 9.1% chance of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the next 30 years. In such a scenario, freeways would become unusable, particularly the ones that are critical routes into inland California.

Consider the 15, 60, 10, and 91 freeways, which are crucial. If these bridges collapse, it could take weeks for emergency services to reach inland regions. Therefore, basic preparations such as storing an extra month’s worth of water, food, and emergency supplies (like light bivy blankets) can make a significant difference. This approach of gradual, incremental preparation is both logical and practical.

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Preparedness

Another area of concern is the potential for an EMP to disrupt electronic devices and communication systems. The Carrington Event of 1859, which disrupted telegraph lines across the United States, serves as a historical precedent. In today’s interconnected world, the impact of a similar event would be considerably more severe. No modern society can survive a complete blackout of its infrastructure.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy report, an EMP could cause up to $2 trillion in damages and lead to a 14-month economic collapse. Therefore, preparing essentially means securing basic necessities and backup energy sources. While individual preparation is indeed logical, the scope of a total blackout is vast, and many rely on the government and infrastructure to recover. Personal preparation becomes more about preserving life’s essentials in the immediate aftermath.

Climate Change and Long-Term Survival

When it comes to long-term survival, the scenarios are even more daunting. Climate change and its potential to cause widespread ecological collapse present a much more severe challenge. The National Academy of Sciences reports that the worst-case scenario could lead to a decimation of global agriculture, making traditional survival preparations fundamentally insufficient.

Estimates suggest a 10-year period of no sunlight in a nuclear winter scenario. This would render agriculture impossible, requiring not just decades of food supply but also seeds and livestock to repopulate the Earth. Furthermore, a climate collapse leading to oceanic anoxia could result in an end to life as we know it. Preparing for such scenarios is not about mere survival but about ensuring the rebirth of humanity and the environment.

While it may seem pointless for the average person to prepare for such long-term, catastrophic scenarios, the act of preparing still has value. Basic survival skills, the storage of food and water, and the maintenance of essential supplies can be life-saving in any disaster. However, the real challenge lies in addressing these broader, long-term issues that require global collaboration and sustained effort.

Conclusion

Preparing for doomsday is both a logical and necessary action, especially in regions prone to natural disasters. However, the scale of preparation needed for long-term scenarios is immense and often outside the scope of individual efforts. For those who can afford it, thorough preparation is crucial. For the rest, the emphasis should be on gradual and practical measures that ensure immediate survival and resilience. Whether one views these preparations as logical or pointless ultimately depends on the perspective and the scale of the disaster one is preparing for.

Regardless of the scenario, a proactive approach to disaster preparedness is a wise investment for individuals and communities alike.