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When it comes to understanding climate change, it’s easy to get lost in technical jargon or swept up in debates over numbers. But the deeper story, often overlooked, is about the stability zones that humanity has relied on for thousands of years—and how these zones are shifting, creating a “new normal” that we must navigate.
What Are Stability Zones?
For much of human history, climate stability allowed cities and civilizations to thrive. After the last Ice Age, Earth’s warming trend settled into a relatively stable climate. This stability meant that while we experienced weather variations—droughts, floods, heat waves—they fell within a predictable range. Cities adapted by building infrastructure like reservoirs, flood controls, and heating systems to mitigate these changes. This stability zone became the foundation for how we planned, built, and lived.
Take the Los Angeles River, for example. It’s a cement channel—not what most of us imagine when we think “river.” Why? It was designed to manage flash floods, a known risk within the stability zone of that region. This careful planning worked for decades because the risks were predictable.
But climate change is disrupting these stability zones. Our cities, industries, and even ecosystems were built for a world with relatively narrow climate variability. Now, that variability is expanding dramatically.
The “New Normal”
The phrase “new normal” is often tossed around in climate discussions, but what does it actually mean? It means the stability zones we relied on are breaking apart. We’re entering a world where:
Rainfall patterns shift unpredictably. Some regions face unprecedented droughts, while others endure record-breaking rainfall.
Extreme temperatures become more common. Heat waves and cold snaps are pushing far beyond historical records.
Sea levels rise. Coastal cities face flooding that wasn’t even conceivable when they were founded.
This isn’t just theory. In New York City, Hurricane Sandy—a storm that wasn’t even classified as a hurricane by the time it arrived—flooded subway tunnels and devastated infrastructure. The city has since installed massive flood doors to protect against what was once thought impossible.
Or consider the Pacific island nations facing sea level rise. Entire countries are at risk of being swallowed by the ocean, creating climate refugees—people forced to leave their homes not because of war or famine, but because the land itself is disappearing. Even something as seemingly minor as tarmac melting at an English airport during a heatwave disrupts daily life and highlights how unprepared we are for this new normal.
What Can We Do?
If we can no longer rely on stability zones, how do we prepare for a future that demands flexibility and resilience? Here are three steps:
Widen Our Expectations. We need to rethink what’s possible—and plan accordingly. Infrastructure must be designed to withstand conditions far beyond what historical data suggests. This means stronger flood defenses, heat-resistant materials, and better energy grids to handle extreme weather.
Invest in Clean Energy. The good news is that renewable energy is becoming cheaper by the day. As Bill McKibben points out, falling prices for solar and wind power are one of the few bright spots in the climate crisis. Transitioning to clean energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, slowing the expansion of these unpredictable zones.
Adapt Our Lifestyles. As individuals and communities, we need to embrace changes in how we live. From supporting local climate policies to adjusting our consumption habits, small actions add up. Education is key—helping people understand the stakes and the solutions can drive meaningful action.
Finding Hope in the Chaos
While the challenges of the “new normal” are daunting, they also offer an opportunity to rebuild with resilience. Humanity has always thrived on innovation and adaptability. Just as we once moved from nomadic lifestyles to settled cities in response to climate stability, we can find ways to flourish in this new chapter of Earth’s story.
Let’s not mourn the loss of the old stability zones—let’s rise to the challenge of creating a world that works within the new normal. As daunting as it is, this moment calls on us to be bold, creative, and united. There is a calling for a deeper connection to our planet, and together, we can answer.
Get Involved
Sustainable Stillwater MN is here to help our community navigate these changes. From local sustainability projects to resources on renewable energy, we’re working toward a resilient future.
Resources:
StarTalk: How I Think About Climate Change: Neil deGrasse Tyson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRA2SfSk2Tc
The Crucial Years: Pushing Back, Short-Term and Long: Bill McKibben - https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/pushing-back-short-term-and-long?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true
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