Jared Diamond: Why do societies collapse?

The video explores the collapse of societies, both historical and modern, through a five-point framework. It examines factors like environmental impact, climate change, and cultural attitudes. The Greenland Norse and modern Montana are used as case studies. The video highlights common themes in societal collapses, such as rapid decline after reaching a peak and the role of decision-making and values. It emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple environmental and societal issues to avoid future collapses.

Which of the following societies is mentioned as having collapsed in the past?

• Easter Island

• Japan

• Java

• Tonga

What is the first factor in the five-point framework for analyzing societal collapses?

• Economic dependencies

• Relations with hostile societies

• Human impacts on the environment

• Climate change

How did the Greenland Norse society inadvertently harm their environment?

• Overfishing

• Pollution

• Deforestation and soil erosion

• Overhunting

What makes Montana vulnerable according to the five-point framework?

• Isolation from other states

• Lack of natural resources

• Dependence on local resources

• Economic reliance on out-of-state income

What is a common pattern observed in many societal collapses?

• Gradual decline over centuries

• Rapid collapse after reaching a peak

• Steady growth without collapse

• Immediate collapse after formation

Why did Easter Island experience severe deforestation?

• Invasion by foreign species

• Multiple subtle environmental factors

• Volcanic eruptions

• Lack of rainfall

What is a major reason societies fail to solve their problems?

• Overpopulation

• Conflicts of interest between elites and society

• Technological limitations

• Lack of resources

What is a significant challenge in making 'good' societal decisions?

• Lack of information

• Conflicts involving strongly held values

• Technological advancement

• Economic instability

What is the speaker's view on the most important action to address environmental problems?

• Focus on a single major issue

• Address multiple issues simultaneously

• Wait for natural solutions

• Rely on technological solutions

What does the speaker suggest about the problems facing the world today?

• They are beyond our control

• They are entirely of our own making

• They will resolve themselves naturally

• They are caused by external factors