Preparations

In a pole shift which generates global volcanic activity, atmospheric sunlight will be temporarily reduced. Even during that time the growth of low light plants is possible, and parabolic reflectors, (miniature versions of which I've long used in virtual no light locations for growth) can multiply ambient light and heat exponentially without needing an artificial energy source. But the greatest advantage is that such a global catastrophe is in the future, and growing and other preparations can start now. On the other hand, if we have x-radiation or other things to deal with, green house structures with glass panels and a high lead-based paint can enable plants to grow.

Catastrophic mud flows, such as Mitch caused in Central America in 1998? Each year the ancient Egyptians saw their fields inundated by the Nile, and built a kind of cyclical nomadism around it, in one season planting and living by the riverbanks, and retreating to other locations during the flood season. Yes, they learned to expect these things. But we also expect the catastrophes that are to come, and unlike the ancient Egyptians, we have access to modern science which will provide warnings to those willing to hear them. The Troubled Times website solicits suggestions on how survivors can overcome depression. My overwhelming feeling is that depression is part and parcel of a desperation mentality, and that mentality is not necessary.

In the US there is the Amish culture, in which cooperation and self-sufficiency has become a long-standing tradition. They will be vastly better off than most in a catastrophe because they lack the mentality of desperation. They provide a terrific model for setting up survival communities, in which, instead of each person or family needing to be experts at building, farming, etc., enough of a sense of stability is preserved that people practice individual specialties to mutual advantage. With long-established know how about digging wells and establishing pumps for potable water, growing crops without power sources or outside fertilizer, dairy and egg husbandry and the like, they have a great deal to offer in the way of survival skills and especially in the way of how to survive optimistically.

At present, as you know, there is a crisis in the American farming system, and with many farmers each year unable to survive financially, their lands are being sold at auction. For a survival group to purchase such farm lands (based selectively on your estimates of safe areas, water availability or ample tables, etc.) and to gather members with special skills to establish such a colony now would go far to lessen a sort of Road Warrior manifestation in post-holocaust America.

Offered by Jenny.