The Busy Worker’s Handbook to the Apocalypse - a highly recommended read

What happens when we accept that the world as we know it is already collapsing? "The Busy Worker’s Handbook to the Apocalypse" lays out the stark realities of a future already set in motion.

Sam Hall's paper is technically an article, not a book. But it could be made into a book; it is long enough, with Medium stating at the top of the page that it is a '78 minute read'. The article was written in 2023, and has not had more recent data included in the analysis. However, anything new we've learned since it was published has only confirmed what Hall outlines, in my opinion.

The article is really well researched, with many charts showing compelling data, and hyperlinks galore to much more reading, if you're so inclined.

Hall provides some distinct points about what the future holds:

• Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it’s a present crisis. Global warming has already triggered extreme weather events and ecological collapse, pushing the planet past the point of no return.

• The world has already warmed approximately 1.3°C above preindustrial levels. This increase is driving escalating climate disruptions that are irreversible and intensifying rapidly.

• Pledges like net-zero commitments are largely irrelevant. The damage is already done, and these plans do nothing to address the catastrophic consequences already unfolding.

• Abrupt climate shifts are not hypothetical—they are unfolding now. Feedback loops like methane release from melting permafrost will accelerate warming, setting off rapid, catastrophic changes.

• Agricultural systems are collapsing under climate instability. As weather patterns become increasingly erratic, global crop failures and food shortages are inevitable.

• For years, the scientific community has downplayed worst-case scenarios. Transparent communication about systemic collapse is no longer optional—it is essential for any remaining preparation efforts.

• Incremental changes are irrelevant. Societal breakdown and widespread suffering are now effectively unavoidable, as the window for preventing catastrophic impacts has already closed.

You can read the article here.

Or listen to an audio version by the late Michael Dowd.