Deep adaptation is one of the most pessimistic theories about the future of mankind. The concept was introduced by Professor Jem Bendell in 2018, when he summarised the results of various research findings related to climate change and economic trends. 

Bendell’s starting point was a sociological statement: throughout the history of mankind, no culture took its own extinction into account – it seems the human psyche has always tried to avoid this thought by all means. However, based on current research, Bendell believes humankind is facing an inevitable and accelerating ecological collapse in the next few decades. Therefore deep adaptation urges the factual acceptance of the collapse of civilisation as we know it, and also calls for the elaboration of mental and emotional survival strategies for this post-collapse world.